Claire Sweeney was spotted looking heartbroken as she made her way through London Victoria Station on Monday, just a day after the tragic death of her ex-partner and long-time friend Ricky Hatton.
The 54-year-old Coronation Street actress dressed down in a brown tracksuit as she carried her luggage, tying her blonde hair back into a simple ponytail. It was her first public appearance since news broke that Hatton, one of Britain’s most celebrated boxers, had died at just 46.
The former world champion was found at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Claire and Ricky’s friendship stretched back 25 years before turning romantic during their stint on Dancing On Ice in 2024. Though they split after eight months together, the pair remained close. Just weeks before his death, Claire had posted her support when Hatton announced plans for a return to the ring, writing: “This is brilliant.”
Friends have revealed that Ricky’s sudden absence at a boxing event sparked initial concern. His struggles with mental health and addiction had been well-documented, but those close to him insisted he had recently been in good spirits.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting and entertainment worlds. Olympian Greg Rutherford recalled how “kindness always shined through” during their chats about mental health, adding that Hatton had given him “amazing words of support.” Dancing On Ice skating partner Robin Johnstone said she was devastated, remembering his joy watching Torvill and Dean’s show alongside his daughters: “His kids were everything to him.”
Stars including Amber Davies, Oti Mabuse, Paddy McGuinness, and David Beckham have also honoured the boxing legend, with Beckham calling him “one of a kind… just heartbreaking.”
