Claire Sweeney, who dated Ricky Hatton after the pair were on Dancing on Ice, previously called the former boxer “the people’s champ” following his death aged 46
Ricky Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney left his son a poignant show of support last night with two heartwarming Instagram comments.
The actress and singer responded to Campbell Hatton’s touching tribute to his 46-year-old dad, who was found dead at his home by his manager on Sunday morning. Campbell, who is also a boxer, expressed his sorrow, writing “heartbroken isn’t the word” in the emotional post.
Claire, who dated Hatton after the pair were on Dancing on Ice, left two comments. She first posted five heart emojis minutes after Campbell shared the tribute, and later mum-of-one Claire said: “Sending you love xxx”. Each of these comments received likes as Hatton fans gathered to show his son solidarity last night.
In full, Campbell wrote: “Heartbroken isn’t the word. Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life. Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.”
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Claire, from Walton, Liverpool, split with Hatton earlier this year following a whirlwind romance. The pair maintained a close friendship since and, following Hatton’s death on Sunday, Claire, 54, shared her sadness.
Earlier this week, she had posted on Instagram: “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.”
Claire accompanied her words with a montage of videos and photos from her time with Ricky, soundtracked by the Elvis track ‘If I can dream.’
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The soap star’s friends reached out to offer their condolences. Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price, in Coronation Street wrote: “I’m so deeply sorry my love. A true legend gone too soon. God bless and love to him and his family/friends. Love you xx” While former EastEnders star Rita Simons responded with a simple red love heart.
Claire, who was in Brookside for 12 years across two stints, knew Hatton for decades before meeting again on Dancing on Ice last year. The boxing legend was eliminated from the popular ITV programme first, two weeks before Claire – also a television presenter, was given the boot.