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Former world boxing champion Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton is said to be ‘completely in love’ with Claire Sweeney after the pair hit it off while appearing on Dancing On Ice.
Although neither of them were very successful on the show (Claire was voted off in the third week and Ricky left in the first), it seems that their relationship was.
The Brookside star, 52, and the former professional boxer have been on a series of dates in recent weeks.
A source said Sun: ‘They became friends on Dancing On Ice and really hit it off. They have since become romantic and have enjoyed a few dates. It’s early but they have spark and they had a great time.”
As the couple’s romance continues to blossom, MailOnline takes a look at all the signs the Dancing On Ice stars were secretly dating, from a ‘soft launch’ on Instagram to cozy dates.
Ricky Hatton is ‘completely in love’ with Claire Sweeney (pictured last month) after going on a series of dates with the former Brookside star.
As the couple’s romance continues to blossom, MailOnline takes a look at all the signs the two Dancing On Ice stars were dating (pictured with Ricky Norwood)
Instagram ‘soft launch’
The couple has been casually dropping hints of their budding romance on their social media profiles.
Both Claire and Ricky posted a cozy selfie alongside EastEnders star Ricky Norwood in January, as they prepared for their Dancing On Ice press conference.
In February, the lovebirds seemed to be making their relationship more public, as Claire reminisced about their time together on Red Nose Day in 2013.
Ricky appeared at that year’s charity show apparently imitating Robbie Williams in Let Me Entertain You, while wearing striking black and white face paint.
Sharing the throwback on Instagram, Ricky wrote: ‘Just found these. Let’s Dance. Red Nose Day. February 16, 2013.’
Claire weighed in on the post and joked: ‘Wow I was on that show with you x.’
Just a week later, the former boxer shared a photo of him, Claire and two of their friends attending a football game together.
Accompanying the unconditional Manchester City fan, Claire was smiling from ear to ear while enjoying a glass of red wine.
The Dancing On Ice stars didn’t shy away from interacting on social media, recalling moments they previously shared (pictured: Ricky Hatton at Red Nose Day 2013)
After Ricky shared a photo of him hilariously imitating Robbie Williams in Let Me Entertain You, Claire was quick to remember that the pair starred together in the charity showcase.
The lovebirds enjoyed a glass of red wine while watching Ricky’s beloved football club, Manchester City, with their friends.
Dancing On Ice Final and Cozy Dates
Although Claire has largely kept their budding romance off social media, Ricky hasn’t shied away from posting about his love interest.
Sharing a flurry of images on Instagram, the boxer posted several photos of him and Claire at the Dancing On Ice final at Bovingdon Studios.
Wearing a bright pink jumpsuit, Claire comfortably placed her arm on Ricky’s shoulder as the pair snuggled up for a photo in March.
The couple was all smiles as they snuggled up for another photo with legendary Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott.
A month after the show ended, the actress and her lover continued posting about their outings.
It was just last weekend that Ricky and Claire were spotted with friends at the Hot Water Comedy Club.
Ricky shared pictures of them enjoying drinks together while Claire looked stylish in a denim jumpsuit.
Two days before that, a pub called The Crown Heaton Moor in Stockport shared an image of them on another night out with a group of friends.
A separate source revealed to The Mirror that the couple has had several dates, beyond what we see on social networks, stating that the former boxer is “completely in love.”
They told the publication: ‘The chemistry was electric. Ricky left the show early on, but he contacted her after her and let’s just say he started courting her.
‘They have been going out on several dates. Saturday was just one of a long list of them. They have been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely in love.
“It seems like an unlikely pairing, but he’s always had a way with women. They fall in love with his personality, and so does Claire.
‘He knows his number one priority is his son, so they are being very careful. Let’s watch this space.’
Ricky hasn’t shied away from sharing several snaps of the couple on his social media, posting plenty of photos of him and Claire at the Dancing On Ice final (pictured).
Claire and Ricky were also seen together at the Hot Water Comedy Club while meeting up with friends.
A pub called The Crown Heaton Moor in Stockport shared an image of them on a night out with a group of friends (Claire second left, Ricky second right)
That night out in Manchester
Most recently, the Dancing On Ice contestants were photographed cuddling up and arm in arm during a night out in Manchester over the weekend.
Braving the cold northern night, the soap star looked elegant as she showed off her enviable figure in a sparkly silver dress and a pair of heels.
The boxer kept it casual wearing a pair of ripped black jeans and a velvet jacket as he placed his arm firmly around Claire’s waist.
Ricky and Claire were spotted leaving the first destination on their pub crawl with friends.
They were seen again arriving at another nearby bar with their arms around each other.
Sportsman Ricky showed his consideration by wrapping his jacket around the actress to keep her warm as they headed home an hour later.
Most recently, the lovers were seen cuddling up and arm in arm during a night out in Manchester at the weekend.
Braving the cold northern night, Claire looked elegant in a sparkling silver dress before gentleman Ricky wrapped his velvet jacket around her to keep her warm.