Ricky Hatton gushes over blossoming relationship with Claire Sweeney

Ricky Hatton has gushed over Claire Sweeney, as the couple's relationship continues to blossom.

The 45-year-old former boxer met the ex-'Brookside' actress, 53, during the 2024 series of 'Dancing on Ice', and the pair soon became romantically linked.

After the couple returned from a getaway to Tenerife earlier this month, Ricky has told how he and Claire get on "like a house on fire".

When asked how their holiday was, the TV star told The Sun newspaper: "It was great! Claire is like me, I’ve met someone who I get on with like a house on fire.

"She is just like me. We spend our whole time laughing together. Claire is just like me - she’s so down to earth.

"She would never turn a picture down with a fan and she’s always got time for people. That’s what I really like about her.

"We’ve just been having good fun."

After finishing their stint on 'Dancing on Ice', the couple were spotted embracing in April, before enjoying a romantic date at a pub in Heaton Moor, Stockport.

An insider revealed the pair "have become really close" and said the 'Coronation Street' star was planning to introduce Ricky to her family, including her nine-year-old son Jaxon, who she shares with her ex-partner Daniel Reilly.

A source told MailOnline: "Claire and Ricky have become really close. She wasn't looking for a relationship but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural and she's really happy.

"She signed up for a reality TV show and met a great guy so it feels a bit like winning the lottery, and she's really counting her blessings as it all came from nowhere and often that's the best way.

"She's now really looking forward to introducing Ricky to her family and friends soon and they are really looking forward to the guy who has put a smile on Claire's face."