Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has shared a candid update on her love life following the sudden death of her former partner Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away earlier this month at the age of 46.
The actress, 54, admitted she is still coming to terms with the loss of the former boxer, describing herself as “devastated” by his death. Speaking to Best Magazine, she made it clear she isn’t looking for romance right now, saying: “No, I’m single. I’m not on any dating apps either.”
Claire and Ricky began dating after competing together on Dancing on Ice last year but ended their romance after eight months. Despite their split, Claire said they had stayed friends and always held respect for one another.
In her emotional Instagram tribute earlier this month, she wrote: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family, especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, and his granddaughter. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
Ricky was her only publicly known partner in recent years. Greater Manchester Police confirmed his death was not being treated as suspicious.
Claire, who previously dated Billy Oakes for six years before splitting in 2007, was later engaged to Daniel Reilly, the father of her son Jaxon, before their separation in 2015. She has clarified that, despite public assumptions, she has never been married in real life, only on-screen during her Brookside days.
Reflecting on her own future, Claire said: “Who knows? My grandmother found the love of her life when she was 86. He was her 74-year-old toyboy. She married him, and at her 100th birthday, she said, ‘This man’s kept me alive with love and laughter.’ If I have to wait that long to meet the right person and make the right choice, so be it.”
For now, Claire is focusing on her son and her career, describing herself as “very self-sufficient” and someone who doesn’t “need to have a boyfriend” to feel complete.
