Claire Sweeney put on a brave face as she returned to work in Manchester on Friday following the tragic death of ‘cherished’ ex-partner and close friend Ricky Hatton.

The former World Boxing Champion passed away aged 46, it was revealed on Sunday. He was found at his home in Greater Manchester with police not treating his death as suspicious. 

Corrie actress Claire, 54, who recently broke her silence on Ricky’s tragic passing, cut a sombre figure as she arrived to film an episode of ITV’s Celebrity Lingo.

She was dressed casually in a navy tracksuit and comfy trainers while toting a gold Gucci cross body bag.

Her make-up and hair appeared glam ahead of filming as she pushed her suitcases into the studio. 

In her tribute Claire shared a video montage of her ex-partner on Instagram to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream and penned: ‘I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.’ 

Claire Sweeney returned to work in Manchester on Friday following the tragic of ex-partner and close friend Ricky Hatton

The former World Boxing Champion passed away aged 46,on Sunday. He was found at his home in Greater Manchester with police not treating his death as suspicious (pictured 2024)

Claire sent her condolences to Ricky’s loved ones, including his long-serving manager Paul Speak, who was known as Speaky. It was Speak who found the body of the sporting legend at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning.

‘My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter,’ Claire wrote.

‘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.’

The former World Boxing Champion passed away aged 46, it was revealed on Sunday. He was found at his home in Greater Manchester with police not treating his death as suspicious. 

The actress struck up a relationship with Ricky after spending time together on Dancing On Ice in January 2024 and despite splitting following eight months of dating remained close friends. 

Just weeks before his death the actress shared a sweet message of support after Ricky announced his return to the ring. 

After retiring, he had moved into coaching but was due to return to boxing, with a fight planned in December. 

Claire recently shared a video announcing his return to the sport. ‘This is brilliant’, she captioned it.

Corrie actress Claire, 54, who recently broke her silence on Ricky’s tragic passing, cut a sombre figure as she arrived to film an episode of ITV ‘s Celebrity Lingo

She was dressed casually in a navy tracksuit and comfy trainers while toting a gold Gucci cross body bag

Her make-up and hair appeared glam ahead of filming as she pushed her suitcases into the studio

The actress struck up a relationship with Ricky after spending time together on Dancing On Ice in January 2024 and despite splitting following eight months of dating remained close friends

Claire painted on a smile to pose for a selfie with a fan outside the studio 

In her tribute Claire shared a video montage of her ex-partner on Instagram to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream

Claire shared a series of photos from her years with Ricky, including sweet memories of their romantic relationship 

The TV star previously explained she and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them, while the boxing champion said it was ‘nice’ they were able to connect following the end of their respective relationships.

The actress had been single following her separation from ex Daniel Reilly, with whom she shares son Jaxon, in 2017.

While they enjoyed a holiday together in Tenerife, the couple split in December 2024 after eight months together.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no falling out between them. They decided they’re better off as pals and are no longer romantically together. 

‘They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different.’

Claire and Ricky remained on friendly terms after their relationship ended. 

Meanwhile Ricky’s family have expressed their shock after his death, saying they believed him to be in a ‘good place’. 

In a statement shared on Wednesday, the Hatton family shared heartbreaking details of the star’s final days, revealing he had been spending time with family and was ‘excited for the future’. 

The post read: ‘We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place. 

‘He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of. 

‘He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.’

The TV star previously explained she and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them

She penned: ‘I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky’ 

The statement continued: ‘Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. 

‘He had dinner with his girls on Friday night, and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend.

‘We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend. 

‘Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.

‘The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride. 

‘For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning. The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard’s children and Granddaughter.

‘Details of a memorial service will likely follow, but in the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard’s memory be respected. It is not our intention to make any further public statements currently. WLR Law.’