Claire Sweeney has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Ricky Hatton, sharing a gut-wrenching tribute to the boxing legend.
The 54-year-old actress admitted she needed a few days to process the devastating news before posting her message on Instagram. “My thoughts are with his family, especially his children Campbell, Millie, Fearne, and his granddaughter Lyla,” Claire wrote, adding that she also wanted to reach out to “Speaky and all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years.”
She went on to call Hatton “the people’s champ,” saying: “Ricky, we adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
Claire and Ricky dated during 2024 after they grew close while appearing on Dancing On Ice. Though their romance was short-lived, they remained close friends until his death.
Ricky’s family also released a deeply moving statement, remembering him as “so much more than a world champion.” They said: “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 knew him.”
They closed with a plea for privacy, adding: “Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”
