Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney says 'what's not to like' in loved-up Ricky Hatton comments

Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney appeared smitten as she spoke about what it that she seemingly loves about Ricky Hatton. The couple have been dating for around five months, despite having first met about 25 years ago.

It wasn't until earlier this year that the pair first got tongues wagging about a relationship after being spotted on a series of pub dates. They then stepped out on the red carpet together for the first time in May at the first opening night of the £365m Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Since going public with their romance, actress Claire, 53, and former boxer Ricky, 45, have been seen enjoying some fun in the sun together, first with a trip to Tenerife before they recently headed back abroad for a long weekend in Mallorca with his family.

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Appearing on Lorraine on Thursday (July 4) to chat about her latest Corrie storylines as Cassie Plummer, with hints of an on-screen romance, show host Lorraine Kelly was keen to speak to Claire about her real-life love.

“I’ve known Ricky for, like, 25 years. We always passed each other at events." Claire said before revealing that Dancing on Ice earlier this year wasn't the first time they worked together.

"We did a TV show together. First of all I met him in the early 2000s, then we did Dance for Comic Relief together in 2013. Then met on Dancing on Ice and it's great..." the former Brookeside star explained before adding: "He makes me laugh, and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like?”

It comes after Ricky also also opened up about their new relationship during an interview with Prime Casino. 'The Hitman' revealed that he didn't go on the ITV skating show to find a romance, but did go in with the hope of not sustaining any injuries.

Speaking about the new relationship, the Hattersley-born star said: "I've known Claire for a while. I've met her at a few functions and at different events over the years. Every time we've spoken we've hit it off and got on with each other." He went on to say that during ice skating training they got on "straight away" and when the show kicked off "got on even better."

Ricky said he had "half a chance" at wooing Claire because of how well they got on every time they saw each other. He confessed that he knew she was single and added: "I knew how we had got on so well every time we met each other. I probably thought I had half a chance.

"It's amazing [to find] someone you’ve probably known for 25 years. I've been in relationships and she's been in relationships. I've had my kids and she's had her kids. And then 25 years later we found each other. It's quite a nice story."