Claire Sweeney shared a picture of her late ex boyfriend Ricky Hatton as she paid tribute to him on his 47th birthday on Monday morning.
She posted a picture of the boxer on Instagram, simply writing: ‘Happy birthday’ along with a prayer and a heart emoji.
Former world welterweight champion Ricky was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14 by his close friend and manager Paul Speak.
Claire and Ricky dated for several months in 2024, starting after they competed on ITV‘s Dancing On Ice but remained friends after ending their romance.
But it’s clear that he’s never far from her thoughts because on Sunday, Claire mentioned Ricky on Instagram while enjoying a shopping trip with her son Jaxon, 13.
Claire Sweeney shared this tribute to her late ex boyfriend Ricky Hatton as she marked his first birthday since he died on Instagram on Monday
Claire and Ricky dated for several months in 2024, starting after they competed on ITV ‘s Dancing On Ice but remained friends after ending their romance
Ricky is never far from Claire’s thoughts because on Sunday, she mentioned Ricky on Instagram while enjoying a shopping trip with her son Jaxon, 13, noting that he would have loved this Only Fools toy
Sharing a video montage of her ex-partner on Instagram to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream, the actress wrote: ‘I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news’
They were both enthralled with an Only Fools And Horses toy which features a Del Boy figurine falling through the bar, mimicking the iconic scene which first aired in 1989 and was played by David Jason.
‘Ricky would love that,’ Claire said.
The much-loved boxer died just three months before he was due to make his professional comeback in Dubai.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and the funeral will be held at Manchester Cathedral on October 10.
Claire paid tribute to Ricky a few days after his death.
Sharing a video montage of him to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream, the actress wrote: ‘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,’ Claire wrote.
‘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 and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them
Ricky had been vocal about his mental health battles during his three-year retirement in 2009 (pictured in 2001)
Ricky’s brother Matthew also shared a collage of picture of his brother on his birthday
In a new posthumous interview released last week Ricky discussed his relief that he had not died by suicide when stalked by thoughts of taking his life during his three-year retirement between 2009 and 2012.
He was asked how he felt now, saying: ‘Never better, to be honest with you’.
‘I thank myself every day, you know, for that,’ Hatton continued. ‘I didn’t kill myself because I wouldn’t have seen me granddaughter.
‘I wouldn’t have made up with (his old trainer) Billy Graham. I wouldn’t have done my documentary, got great feedback from that.
‘I’ve done an exhibition with Marco and Tony Barrera. I went on Dancing on Ice. I probably wish I hadn’t to be honest with you,’ he joked.
‘I look at the things I’ve been able to do since, you know, positive things that have inspired others, not just myself, inspired others. And that’s that’s because I went and spoke to someone,’ Hatton continued.
I think that’s my job today. I’m a trainer now. I want to try and pass a little bit on to somebody. And if I can go and speak to someone and talk about mental health and say, “Listen, you don’t hold it in. Go and speak to someone. If you get off your chest and speak to someone, it’d be the best thing you do.’
Ricky is survived by his three children, Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12.
