Claire Sweeney returned to work in Manchester on Friday, days after the death of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton was publicly confirmed. Hatton, 46, was found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with police saying the death was not suspicious. The news came as colleagues and friends offered condolences and Hatton’s family prepared to grieve in private.
Sweeney, best known for her long-running role in Coronation Street, arrived to film an episode of ITV’s Celebrity Lingo. The 54-year-old actress wore a navy tracksuit and trainers, carrying a gold Gucci crossbody bag, as she prepared for shooting. Makeup and hair appeared polished as she pushed her suitcases into the studio, a somber mark of the moment she returned to work after publicly acknowledging the loss of someone she described as a dear friend.
Hatton’s close circle has spoken about the impact of his passing. In a message posted after his death, Sweeney shared a video montage of their years together on Instagram, set to Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream, expressing how she needed time to process the devastating news. She also included condolences to Hatton’s family, noting that he had been a beloved figure to many and that she would miss him greatly. Paul Speak, Hatton’s long-serving manager, was identified as the person who found him at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning.
Hatton’s family issued a statement expressing their shock while noting that, despite his well-documented struggles, he had been in a good place in the days leading up to the weekend. The statement described him as excited for the future, including plans to promote a comeback fight in Dubai and to spend time with his daughters and grandchildren. The family asked for privacy as they mourn and support Hatton’s children, Campbell and Lyla, as well as his granddaughter, Fearne. They also thanked Hatton’s parents, Ray and Carol, and his wider circle for their love and support during this difficult time. The outreach of grief from fans and colleagues alike underscored the public affection for the former world champion, who had recently been preparing to return to boxing in a coaching capacity before his passing.
The relationship between Sweeney and Hatton had been a subject of public interest since they spent time together on Dancing On Ice in January 2024. They began dating during the show’s run, later splitting after eight months, but remained close friends. In the weeks before Hatton’s death, Sweeney publicly supported his return to the ring, sharing a message of encouragement as he planned a December fight and indicating excitement about his comeback. Sources have said the pair remained on good terms, choosing to keep their friendship private and supportive even as their separate lives continued.
Sweeney has also been navigating her own personal life in recent years. She shares son Jaxon with ex-partner Daniel Reilly, whom she separated from in 2017. Reports at the time indicated the couple enjoyed a holiday together in Tenerife, but they ultimately split in December 2024 after eight months together. A source told the Daily Mail that Sweeney and Hatton had a friendly relationship and that there had been no falling out between them; they simply remained close friends with a shared history and ongoing mutual respect.
The Hatton family’s statement acknowledged the public’s interest in the circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death, but they emphasized the need for private mourning while they focus on supporting his children and granddaughter. They noted that Ricky had been looking forward to the future and that his bag was packed for travel to Dubai for a promotional appearance, illustrating the life he intended to lead and the plans he had for his family. As the investigation into the death concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances, friends and fans continued to remember Hatton as a fighter who connected with people through his charity work, his sports career, and his relatable, down-to-earth personality. A memorial or tribute service details are expected to follow, though the family has requested privacy as they process their loss.
The public reaction to Hatton’s passing has been marked by an outpouring of support from colleagues, fans, and the broader sporting community. Hatton’s daughters, Millie and Fearne, were highlighted in statements from the family, which also noted that he remained a devoted grandfather and a committed father. The public narrative around his life has centered on his achievements in the ring, his subsequent coaching work, and his enduring influence on those who knew him personally. As Sweeney resumes work in Manchester, colleagues in television and entertainment continue to reflect on Hatton’s legacy and the ways in which his friends and fans will remember him in the years to come.