New couple Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton made their red carpet debut at the Co-op Live official welcome ceremony in Manchester on Saturday.

The actress, 53, and former boxing champion Ricky, 45, met earlier this year when they both competed on Dancing on Ice and have grown closer ever since.

The showbiz pair were at the official welcome ceremony at the Co-op Live Arena and the Coronation Street star opted for a white off-the shoulder dress that went right down to the floor.

Meanwhile, Ricky kept things casual  with a black blazer, basic T-shirt, ripped jeans and plimsolls. 

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton put on a loved up display as they cosied up together on the red carpet i Manchester on Saturday

West End actress Claire beamed at her new beau as they made their first official public appearance together since becoming a couple  

The occasion marks the first time the pair have posed together officially since it was revealed that they are dating. 

 But just days ago, Ricky took to social media to wish Claire a happy birthday.  

In his birthday tribute they beamed in one selfie backstage at Dancing on Ice which is where they first met before love blossomed. 

Claire has told friends she feels like ‘she has won the lottery’ as her romance with Ricky goes from strength to strength. 

Pals close to the West End star say the relationship ‘came from nowhere’ after she met boxer Ricky.

‘Claire and Ricky have become really close,’ the friend told MailOnline. ‘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.’

The Coronation Street star opted for a flowing white gown for the event and accesorised with a golden handbag whilst Ricky kept casual in a blazer and jeans 

Ricky Hatton shared a sweet birthday message for his girlfriend Claire Sweeney on Wednesday after their new romance was revealed this month

Boxer Ricky, 45, called his new love ‘gorgeous’ in his post as he shared two snaps on them together on his Instagram

Claire became the third star to leave this year’s Dancing On Ice in February (pictured with pro partner Colin Grafton) 

Ricky was the first celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice 2024 in January (pictured with his partner Robyn Johnstone)

  The former Brookside actress has son Jaxon, eight, with ex-partner Daniel Reilly  whilst Ricky has Campbell, 23, Millie, 11, and 10-year-old Fearne from previous relationships.

Friends say the retired World Champion is ‘one of the funniest people’ she’s ever met – and that the pair have grown ‘incredibly close’ and are plotting a Summer getaway.

A source said: ‘Anyone who knows Ricky knows how funny and entertaining he can be. But Claire had no idea until she met him on Dancing on Ice, and that’s what really attracted her to him initially. He constantly had her in hysterics and they grew closer and closer after that.

‘Things have become serious quite quickly and they are just really enjoying each other’s company and seeing how things develop from here.’