Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney and boxing legend Ricky Hatton have split up after a whirlwind romance that began earlier this year.
The pair, aged 53 and 46 respectively, met while competing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
Sources have confirmed the couple have agreed to call time on their relationship, though they remain on good terms.
The breakup news emerged on Sunday, with both stars reportedly hoping to maintain their friendship despite the end of their romantic connection.
A source told the Daily Mail there had been “no fallout between them” as they decided they were “better off as pals.”
Sweeney broke her silence about the split at The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London on Sunday evening.
The soap star dazzled at the event in a plunging white dress with a matching mesh cape and sparkles.
She completed her glamorous look with silver high heels and flowing blonde locks.
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton have split after a romance which began on Dancing on Ice
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Speaking to the Daily Mail at the event, she remained upbeat about the situation, saying: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”
The actress ensured every detail of her appearance was perfect, matching her lipstick colour to her nails.
Her confident appearance and positive attitude suggested she was handling the breakup well, as she enjoyed the star-studded premiere.
The couple’s romance began during their time competing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice earlier this year.
Back in June, Hatton had spoken enthusiastically about how the show had brought Sweeney into his life.
“I had a good laugh on the ice. I mean, after the first day, I was scared to death but I always love a challenge,” he told reporters.
The couple are reportedly still on good terms
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The boxing champion added: “I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to able to meet Claire. I was always a Billy no mates at these things before Claire.”
Speaking about their relationship at the time, Ricky had been optimistic about their future: “Me and Claire have been together about five months now and long may it continue.”
The couple had enjoyed several holidays together, including trips to Tenerife in May and October, with Sweeney sharing photos of their travels on social media.
Sources have revealed that the split was primarily due to the couple’s contrasting lifestyles.
“While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-gliding, Ricky’s more freewheeling and unpredictable,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
The source explained that Hatton is currently planning a getaway to Tenerife, “where he feels more at home.”
Meanwhile, Sweeney is reportedly focused on her acting career, “putting her heart and soul into her career, leaving romance behind.”
Despite their shared interests as a couple, their different approaches to life ultimately led to the decision to end their romantic relationship.
Soap star Claire Sweeney confirmed she was “still friends” with Ricky Hatton
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The actress is being “consoled by celebrity friends and fellow cast members” following the split, according to sources.
Claire has previously been married twice, first to Tony Hibbard from 2001 until 2007.
Her second marriage was to Daniel Reilly, lasting from 2013 until 2015.
Ricky Hatton, while never married, was in a significant long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley for 11 years from 2005 to 2016.
The boxing champion is also father to 23-year-old boxer Campbell Hatton.
Campbell’s mother is a previous girlfriend of Hatton’s, who coincidentally is also named Claire.
