It looked as though love was in the air over the weekend for Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney and boxer Ricky Hatton. The duo, who met while competing in this year’s Dancing on Ice, stepped out for a glitzy event in Manchester.
Attending the opening of Co-Op Live, the pair seemed smitten as Claire was seen sweetly looking at the former boxing pro. The ITV soap star stunned in a gorgeous white jumpsuit while wearing her hair down in curls.
With a striking red lip, the star accompanied the look with gold accessories. Whereas Ricky opted for a navy T-shirt under a black blazer with denim jeans and black trainers to match.
Speculation that the pair were romantically involved first started a few weeks back when they were spotted looking cosy on a date night. However, it seems as though they’re no longer shy about their newfound romance.
An insider spoke about their relationship as they shared that Claire is looking forward to welcoming Ricky into her life. Speaking to Mail Online, they said: “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.”
It’s believed that the Coronation Street star is looking forward to introducing her new beau to her friends and family.
The source continued: “They are really looking forward to the guy who has put a smile on Claire’s face.”
Claire shared a behind-the-scenes snap of them both at the VIP event over the weekend with a red heart alongside their faces.
Recently, Ricky took to Instagram to celebrate Claire’s birthday as he posted an image of them during their time on Dancing on Ice Together.
He wrote: “Happy Birthday Claire. Have the best day, gorgeous. Lots of love, Ricky.”
Claire sweetly replied: “Thank you, darling”.
Although neither Claire nor Ricky have officially confirmed their status, the duo seem to be enjoying one another’s company.
Claire and Ricky both competed on the ITV skating show at the start of the year, with Ricky finding himself the first contestant to be eliminated.
Whereas the Coronation Street star was booted out in week three after she failed to impress judges in the skate-off.
All episodes of Dancing on Ice are available to watch on ITVX.
