Claire Sweeney Pays Emotional Tribute to Ex Ricky Hatton One Year After His Death
Claire Sweeney has remembered her former partner Ricky Hatton with a heartfelt social media tribute marking one year since the celebrated British boxer’s death.
The actress, known for her television and stage career as well as her time on Coronation Street, reshared a video featuring photographs of herself and Hatton on September 14, 2026. Alongside the memories, she wrote a simple message: “Remembering Ricky. A year today.”
Hatton, one of Britain’s best-known boxing figures, died at age 46 on September 14, 2025. According to the Manchester Evening News source, he was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.
Claire Sweeney Marks One Year Since Ricky Hatton’s Death
Sweeney marked the anniversary by revisiting memories from her relationship with Hatton.
In addition to resharing the video filled with photographs of the pair, she reposted a Manchester Evening News Instagram tribute to her Story commemorating the Manchester-born boxer.
The understated post reflected the affection Sweeney has continued to express publicly for Hatton since his death.
Following the news of his passing in 2025, Sweeney said she needed several days to process the loss of her “dear friend Ricky.” She also sent her sympathies to his family, including his children and granddaughter.
In that tribute, she remembered Hatton as “the people’s champ,” adding: “We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton Dated in 2024
Sweeney and Hatton’s relationship became public in 2024 after the pair had worked together on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
According to the supplied Manchester Evening News report, their romance lasted around eight months.
Their romantic relationship eventually came to an end in late 2024, but Sweeney made clear at the time that there was no public animosity between them.
Asked about their split during a red carpet appearance, she explained that they had returned to being friends.
“We’re still friends, we were friends, we dated, and now we’re friends again,” she said at the time.
That friendship remained significant after their relationship ended, with the former couple continuing to publicly support each other.
Sweeney Previously Called Hatton a ‘Legend’
Sweeney has spoken warmly about Hatton’s legacy on several occasions since his death.
During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning earlier in 2026, she reflected on having known him personally and said she felt “very blessed that he was in my life.”
She described Hatton as a “great man” and a “legend,” while also speaking positively about the farewell he received at his funeral.
The conversation also brought back lighter memories of Hatton’s time on Dancing on Ice.
Host Ben Shephard remembered the former boxer’s willingness to have fun on the program despite his struggles on the ice. Sweeney laughed about his skating abilities while recalling how much he had wanted to perform to a particular song.
Those memories showed another side of a man best known to millions for his accomplishments inside the boxing ring.
Ricky Hatton Had Been Planning a Boxing Comeback
Hatton’s death came while he had reportedly been preparing for another chapter in his boxing career.
The Manchester Evening News reported that the former champion had been planning a return to the ring after a 13-year hiatus, with a fight scheduled for December 2025.
Known throughout his career as “The Hitman,” Hatton became closely associated with Manchester and developed a passionate following among British boxing fans.
His planned comeback made the news of his death especially unexpected for many followers who had been anticipating his return.
Sweeney’s anniversary tribute, however, focused on the man she knew personally rather than his sporting achievements.
A Friendship That Continued After Their Romance
Sweeney and Hatton’s story did not end when their romantic relationship did.
Her comments following their breakup emphasized that they had started as friends and remained friends afterward. That connection was evident again in the tribute she shared following his death and in her subsequent public reflections on his life.
Her latest anniversary post continued that pattern, relying on photographs and a brief message rather than an extensive statement.
A year after his death, Sweeney’s tribute offered another glimpse at the personal relationship behind two familiar public figures — one remembered as a champion in the boxing ring and the other remembering him as a friend who had been an important part of her life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Claire Sweeney post about Ricky Hatton one year after his death?
Sweeney reshared a video containing photographs of herself and Hatton and wrote, “Remembering Ricky. A year today.” She also reposted a Manchester Evening News Instagram tribute marking the anniversary.
When did Ricky Hatton die?
According to the supplied Manchester Evening News report, Hatton died on September 14, 2025, at age 46. He was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.
Did Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton date?
Yes. Sweeney and Hatton dated in 2024 after working together on Dancing on Ice. Their romance lasted approximately eight months before they separated, and Sweeney subsequently said they remained friends.
What did Claire Sweeney say about Ricky Hatton after his death?
Sweeney described Hatton as her “dear friend” and sent condolences to his family. She also called him “the people’s champ” and later said on This Morning that she felt blessed to have had him in her life.
