Claire Sweeney and boyfriend Ricky Hatton look loved-up as the couple enjoy a meal with bodyguard pal

By CODIE BULLEN, SENIOR SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton looked loved-up as they enjoyed a meal in Tameside on Thursday evening. 

The Coronation Street star, 53, looked stylish in a blue denim jumpsuit as she beamed while having a glass of wine alongside her boxer boyfriend, 45. 

Claire and Ricky were joined by bodyguard pal Karen Rowbottom as they enjoyed dinner at Gladstone Barber & Bistro. 

Prior to the meal with Ricky, Claire and Karen started their Christmas shopping early at Home Bargains.

Sweeney and Hatton hit it off after they both appeared on Dancing On Ice back in January and last month they returned from a romantic trip to Tenerife together. 

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton looked loved-up as they enjoyed a meal in Tameside on Thursday evening

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton looked loved-up as they enjoyed a meal in Tameside on Thursday evening

Hatton revealed the pair still get on 'like a house on fire' after the couple returned from their holiday.

When asked by The Sun how their holiday went, he replied: '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.'

Their sun-soaked getaway came just weeks after they made their red carpet debut in Manchester.

An insider revealed recently that Sweeney is also planning to introduce retired boxer Hatton to her family, including her nine-year-old son Jaxon.

Prior to the meal with Ricky, Claire and Karen started their Christmas shopping early at Home Bargains

Prior to the meal with Ricky, Claire and Karen started their Christmas shopping early at Home Bargains

Sweeney and Hatton hit it off after they both appeared on Dancing On Ice back in January and last month they returned from a romantic trip to Tenerife together

Sweeney and Hatton hit it off after they both appeared on Dancing On Ice back in January and last month they returned from a romantic trip to Tenerife together 

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.'

A source told the Mirror: 'The chemistry was electric. Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let’s say he started wooing her.'

'They’ve been out on several dates. Saturday was just one in a long line of them. They’ve been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted.'

Sweeney recently proved she's Hatton's biggest supporter after it was revealed he had earned his place in the Boxing Hall of Fame

Sweeney recently proved she's Hatton's biggest supporter after it was revealed he had earned his place in the Boxing Hall of Fame 

Sharing a video of Hatton speaking about the accolade, she wrote: 'So proud of you darling, flying to USA to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame' (Hatton is pictured in 2001)

Sharing a video of Hatton speaking about the accolade, she wrote: 'So proud of you darling, flying to USA to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame' (Hatton is pictured in 2001)

'It seems like an unlikely match but he’s always had a way with women. They fall for his personality, and Claire has. 

'He knows her number one priority is her son so they are being very careful. Let’s watch this space.'

Prior to Hatton, the actress hadn't been on a date since Christmas 2023 and joked she may be following in her grandmother's footsteps, who she claims didn't find love until she was 86.

Her last long-term romance was with Daniel Reilly, the father of son Jaxon, and they separated in 2017.

Claire SweeneyHome BargainsCoronation Street

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