Friends of Claire Sweeney have revealed how the actress fell for the knockout spell of “hysterical” boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Friends told MailOnline that he called the retired world champion “one of the funniest people” he has ever met, and that the pair have become “incredibly close” before taking the next big step by planning a summer getaway .
A source revealed: “Anyone who knows Ricky knows how funny and entertaining he can be. But Claire had no idea until she met him on Dancing on Ice, and that’s what really attracted her to him initially…
“He constantly had her in hysterics and they became closer and closer after that…
“Things have gotten serious pretty quickly and they’re just enjoying each other’s company and seeing how things develop from here…
Friends of Claire Sweeney have revealed how the actress fell for ‘hysterical’ boxing legend Ricky Hatton’s knockout spell.
Claire and Ricky sparked romance rumors when they were spotted looking cozy on a night out together earlier this month, before friends revealed the secrets behind their union.
“They are also considering going on holiday together to Tenerife over the summer, which will take their relationship to the next level.”
Claire’s friends confessed that they believed she could prove a good influence on Ricky, who had suffered personal problems in the past.
Our source added: ‘Ricky has had a rollercoaster lifestyle in the past. Since he retired he has been drinking heavily and partying, which he combines with his boxing training and the training of other fighters.
“But Ricky is willing to put an end to a lot of those things. He still likes to drink and laugh, but he’s back to normal and has an open mind to settle down…
“That’s why their friends and family are delighted that someone like Claire has arrived. They think it might be the right time for them both and they all want them to be happy.”
Details of the couple’s relationship emerged last week. They reportedly began a romance after meeting on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
Sources said they had developed “electric chemistry” during the show. Last weekend, the couple were spotted enjoying a pub crawl in Greater Manchester.
It is said to be the latest in a series of dates since March this year, which included a trip with friends to Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club.
Claire enjoyed a second pub date with Ricky on Friday night, and the new couple surprised staff at a pub in Stockport (Claire second left, Ricky second right)
A source said: ‘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 had 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’re being very careful. Watch this space.’
Walton-born Ricky and Claire were seen out on a night out with friends on Saturday night, carrying bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne before reappearing together outside a second pub at around 11pm.
Claire, 52, wearing a glamorous black dress and silver heels, had her arm around Ricky’s neck, 45, and whispered in his ear as he smiled. He was later seen wrapping her jacket around her to keep her warm.
Details of the couple’s relationship emerged last week. They reportedly began a romance after meeting on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
Claire was the third star to leave this year’s Dancing On Ice in February (pictured with professional partner Colin Grafton)
The couple was also seen together last weekend at the Hot Water Comedy Club after which they shared pictures of them enjoying drinks together.
Two days earlier, pictures of them on another night out appeared on a page for a pub, The Crown Heaton Moor in Ricky’s home town of Stockport.
Former light welterweight and welterweight Ricky has a son, Campbell.
He has been linked to Playboy models Carla Howe and Chelsea Claire, along with Marie Pollard, Charlie Nordell and Angela Blemmings.
Claire, who also starred in Brookside, was in a relationship with Tony Hibbard from 2001 to 2007 and her last relationship was with Daniel Reilly, the father of her eight-year-old son Jaxon. They separated in 2017.
Ricky was paired with Robin Johnstone on Dancing on Ice and was the first celebrity booted from the show in January.
He said he was “gutted” to be leaving the show but was going home happy, adding: “I had a great time, met some wonderful friends.”
Meanwhile, Claire, who joined the Weatherfield cobbles last year as Cassandra Plummer, was eliminated two weeks later along with her professional partner Colin Grafton.
Most recently, the lovers were seen cuddling up and arm in arm during a night out in Manchester at the weekend.