Claire Sweeney Cuddles Son Jaxon After Ex-Boyfriend Ricky Hatton’s Tragic Death

Claire Sweeney showed how her son Jaxon has been helping her get through the tragic loss of her friend Ricky Hatton, as she shared a glimpse of the pair having a touching moment together. 

Former World Boxing champion Ricky passed away aged 46 earlier this month at his home in Greater Manchester. Police not treating his death as suspicious. 

He and Claire, 54, had been close friends and enjoyed an eight-month romance last year, with the soap star voicing her devastation at his loss last week.

But she was given some comfort on Tuesday, as she enjoyed a fun-filled day out with her 10-year-old son, going to see Wicked on the West End.

And the Corrie star took to her Instagram to share a candid and heartwarming snap of her and Jaxon hugging each other tightly in their kitchen.

Claire’s followers and famous friends were quick to take to the comments to gush over the sweet photo, saying it was ‘just what you need’.

They wrote: ‘Jaxon is your perfect tonic in tough times ❤️’; ‘Precious, just what you need.. thinking of you x x

That bond you and Jaxon have is ultra special. Hope he can help you heal.’; ‘Such a caring lovely boy to his mum ❤️❤️’.

‘Isn’t it amazing when our kids give us a hug but they don’t realise we needed that hug even more than they did ❤️’.

Former WAG Lizzie Cundy echoed: ‘Beautiful ❤️ What you need my darling xx’, while Steps star H added: ‘Love this xx’. 

And Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick and Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey commented a string of red heart emojis.

Claire paid tribute to Ricky last week, sharing a video montage of her ex-partner on Instagram to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream.

She sent her condolences to Ricky’s loved ones, including his long-serving manager Paul Speak – known as Speaky – who had been the one who found the body of the sporting legend at his home in Hyde. 

Claire 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, his granddaughter. 

‘To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. 

‘Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.’

Claire struck up a relationship with Ricky after spending time together on Dancing On Ice in January 2024 and the pair remained close friends even after they split.

Just weeks before his death, she showed her support for the sportsman when he announced he was returning to the ring, sharing the news to her Instagram and captioning it: ‘This is brilliant’.

After retiring, Ricky had moved into coaching but was due to return to boxing, with a fight planned in December. 

Claire previously explained the pair had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them, while the boxing champion said it was ‘nice’ they were able to connect following the end of their respective relationships.

The actress had been single following her separation from ex Daniel Reilly – with whom she shares Jaxon – in 2017, while Ricky’s romance with beautician Angela Blemmings had ended two years prior. 

While they enjoyed a holiday together in Tenerife, Claire and Ricky split in December 2024, after eight months together.

A source told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no falling out between them. They decided they’re better off as pals and are no longer romantically together. 

‘They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different.’

Claire and Ricky remained on friendly terms after their relationship ended. 

It comes after Ricky’s family expressed their shock after his death, saying they believed him to be in a ‘good place’. 

In a statement, the Hatton family shared heartbreaking details of the star’s final days, revealing he had been spending time with family and was ‘excited for the future’. 

The post read: ‘We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place. 

‘He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of. 

‘He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.’

The statement continued: ‘Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. 

‘He had dinner with his girls on Friday night, and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend. We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend. 

‘Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.

‘The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride. 

‘For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning. The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard’s children and Granddaughter.

‘Details of a memorial service will likely follow, but in the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard’s memory be respected. It is not our intention to make any further public statements currently. WLR Law.’ 

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