Ricky Hatton breaks silence on relationship with 'gorgeous' Claire Sweeney

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has finally spilled the beans on his romance with former Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, sharing an adorable first picture of the pair together. The 45 year old ex-boxer paid tribute to his new girlfriend on her birthday as she turned 52.

He posted a photo of themh both beaming when they met on Dancing On Ice. "Happy Birthday Claire," he captioned the post. "Have the best day gorgeous. Lots of love, Ricky xx."

Claire re-posted the heartfelt message, and wrote: "Thank you darling." Claire, also known for her role in Brookside, and Ricky have been on several dates including a pub crawl in Ricky's hometown of Greater Manchester.

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They reportedly have "electric chemistry" and have been inseparable since meeting during rehearsals for the popular reality show. In regard to their budding romantic entanglement, an insider revealed to The Mirror: "The chemistry was electric.

"Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let's say he started wooing her. They've been out on several dates. Saturday was just one in a long line of them. They've been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted.

"It seems like an unlikely match but he's always had a way with women. They fall for his personality, and Claire has. He knows her number one priority is her son so they are being very careful. Let's watch this space."

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who has previously held titles in both the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, has a son named Campbell from an earlier relationship with another woman also named Claire. His most enduring romance was with his former fiancee Jennifer Dooley, whom he dated from 2005 until their split in 2016 after Jennifer ended things due to Ricky's alcohol-related escapades and compromising photos with other women.

Post-breakup, Ricky's name has been romantically linked with several women, including Playboy models Carla Howe and Chelsea Claire, as well as Marie Pollard, Charlie Nordell, and Angela Blemmings. Meanwhile, Claire, hailing from Liverpool, had a long-term relationship with Tony Hibbard between 2001 and 2007, and more recently, she was with Daniel Reillythe father of her eight year old son Jaxonuntil they parted ways in 2017.