Claire Sweeney Breaks Silence on Split from Ricky Hatton, Says ‘We’re Still Friends’
Claire Sweeney has opened up about her recent split from former boxer Ricky Hatton, revealing the pair have decided to remain friends. Their romance began earlier this year while competing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, but differences in their lifestyles are believed to have contributed to the breakup.
Speaking at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London, Claire shared her feelings about the split. “I’m great — we’re still friends. We were friends, we dated, and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!” she told MailOnline. A source close to the former couple confirmed the amicable nature of the separation, saying, “There wasn’t a fallout between them. They decided they’re better off as pals and are no longer romantically together.”
The source also shed light on the reasons behind the breakup, explaining, “They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different. While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-focused, Ricky’s more freewheeling and unpredictable.”
Claire, who hails from Walton, has been married twice before, to Tony Hibbard from 2001 to 2007 and Daniel Reilly from 2013 to 2015. Ricky, on the other hand, has never married but had a long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley, which lasted 11 years until 2016.
During their time together, Claire and Ricky enjoyed several holidays, including trips to Tenerife. In May, they shared happy snapshots from a group vacation with friends, and in October, Claire posted a selfie with Ricky from Manchester Airport as they jetted off to Tenerife to celebrate his birthday.
Despite their split, Claire remains upbeat about the experience and the bond they continue to share. The pair’s mutual respect and decision to prioritize their friendship over romance demonstrate a mature and amicable approach to moving on.
With Claire thriving in her career on Coronation Street and Ricky pursuing his passions, the two are focusing on their individual paths while keeping their connection as friends intact. Fans have applauded their positivity and wish them both happiness in their separate journeys.