The Brookside icon has taken to social media to pay tribute the late boxing legend, who she dated last year
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton dated last year(Image: Getty Images for Co-op Live)
Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to the late Ricky Hatton as she marked a heartfelt occasion. The boxer died last month at his home in Greater Manchester aged 46.
The former world champion would have turned 47 on Monday and Claire has taken to social media to mark the occasion. Coronation Street star Claire dated Hatton for eight months last year after romance blossomed between the two long-time friends when they competed on Dancing On Ice. The two went on a number of holidays to Tenerife before they announced their split last December.
Claire has shared a photo of the boxing legend this morning as she paid tribute to him on what would have been his 47th birthday. She said, alongside a prayer and a heart emoji: “Happy birthday.”
Hatton died on September 14 and his funeral will take place at Manchester Cathedral this Friday, on October 10. Claire paid tribute to her former partner’s legacy after his sad death was confirmed.
The 54-year-old said: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.
“To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
On September 16, Claire took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt tribute for her former lover – who split from each other after an eight-month relationship because they “decided they’re better off as pals”.
Hatton was the dad to three children and his loved ones issued a tribute through Greater Manchester Police after his death. The statement said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him. To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”
The statement added: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”