Ricky Hatton has spoken about his partner Claire Sweeney, whom he began dating after they worked together on the latest series of Dancing on Ice

Ricky Hatton has further discussed his relationship with Claire Sweeney, sharing that he’s known her for years but felt he had “half a chance” while both on Dancing on Ice.

It was reported earlier this year that the former professional boxer, 45, and Coronation Street cast member Claire, 53, had begun dating after having both competed in the ITV skating contest. Ricky’s since spoken about the romance, including gushing over Claire last month. He shared recently that the couple have been together “about five months”.

He has now spoken about their relationship again in an interview with Prime Casino. Ricky – who was the first celebrity to be eliminated from the latest series of Dancing on Ice – told the outlet that he’s known her for around 25 years.

Ricky commented: “I didn’t go on Dancing on Ice to find romance, I just went in hoping I wouldn’t break my f****** neck. I’ve known Claire for a while. I’ve met her at a few functions and at different events over the years. Every time we’ve spoken we’ve hit it off and got on with each other.”

Ricky Hatton (left) has spoken about his relationship with Claire Sweeney (right) (Image:

Getty Images)

The pair are said to have been together for a few months, but Ricky has shared that they have known each other for years (Image:

Getty Images for Co-op Live)

Discussing the show, he said: “We ended up both training in Altrincham. Claire’s on Coronation Street and she’s from Liverpool, so we used to train at the same time together. We got on straight away while we were training for the ice skating. And then when we travelled down to London where the show actually took place we got on even better.”

He continued: “It’s amazing [to find] someone you’ve probably known for 25 years. I’ve been in relationships and she’s been in relationships. I’ve had my kids and she’s had her kids. And then 25 years later we found each other. It’s quite a nice story.”

Ricky added in the interview: “I always knew when I turned up and saw she was going on the ice that she was single and I knew I was single. And I knew how we had gotten so well every time we met each other. I probably thought I had half a chance, yeah. And as it turned out it was yeah.”

A source previously told the Mirror about the pair: “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. […] They’ve been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted.”

Speaking to the Mirror last month at an event, Ricky said: “I had a good laugh on the ice. I mean, after the first day, I was scared to death but I always love a challenge. I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to able to meet Claire. […] Me and Claire have been together about five months now and long may it continue.”