By Olivia Wheeler

Copyright walesonline

Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney was supported by her soap colleagues as she honoured her former partner Ricky Hatton on Tuesday. It comes as Greater Manchester Police said on Sunday that boxing legend, Ricky, 46, had been found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The police said there were no suspicious circumstances. Claire, 54, and Ricky developed a romantic connection following their participation in the 2024 Dancing on Ice series, following a friendship spanning more than twenty years. The pair sadly parted ways in December 2024 following an eight-month relationship. Using Instagram on Tuesday, 16 September, to honour Ricky, Claire affectionately described the boxing champion as ‘the people’s champ’. The actress shared a heartfelt tribute accompanied by a collection of clips and photographs from her relationship with Ricky, set to Elvis Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’, reports OK! . Claire 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. “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’s Coronation Street colleagues quickly offered their sympathies and support, with Elle Mulvaney, who portrays Amy Barlow, responding with heart emojis. Samia Longchambon, who portrays Maria Connor, penned: “So so sorry Claire. All my love” whilst Lucy Fallon, who stars as Bethany Platt, commented: “so sorry claire x” accompanied by a heartbroken emoji. Meanwhile, Catherine Tyldesley, who takes on the role of Eva Price, shared: “I’m so deeply sorry my love. A true legend gone too soon. God bless and love to him and his family/friends. Love you xxx.” Following more than two decades of friendship, Ricky and Claire developed romantic feelings after both participating in the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice. Claire revealed at the time: “I’ve known him for 25 years or so, we kind of always passed each other during events…. Do you know what? He makes me laugh, that’s it.” Unfortunately, the couple’s relationship didn’t endure as reports emerged in December 2024 that their romance had concluded after eight months together. Claire commented on her and Ricky’s connection after their separation: “We’re still friends. We were friends, we dated then we’re friends again. It’s all good.”