Claire Sweeney Shares Lighthearted Video Two Months After Ricky Hatton’s Death

Claire Sweeney put on a brave face as she posted a lighthearted video to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, almost two months on from the death of her former partner Ricky Hatton. 

The former Brookside actress, 54, revealed to her followers that she had accidentally put her AirPods through a 60-minute cotton wash, and they were miraculously still working.

She told her followers: ‘I’ve been searching high and low in my flat for my ear pods, right, I’ve just got my washing out of the machine, done a whole load of washing – and they were in the washing machine. 

Looking sheepishly towards the camera, she continued: ‘And they’ve gone through a full cycle on the machine, and guess what? Still working!

‘I can’t believe it, my AirPods are still working after a full hour-long cycle in the machine. I just can’t believe it, I’m so thrilled!

‘I’ve been going round the flat with like, you know, when you put the Find My on your phone, and going all around the flat looking for their location, (and it) kept taking me into my kitchen. 

Appearing lost for words, she added: ‘And I was like, I’ve searched high and low… in the bloody washing machine.’ 

It comes a month after Claire shared a picture of her late ex-boyfriend Ricky as she paid tribute to him on his 47th birthday. 

She posted a picture of the boxer on Instagram, simply writing: ‘Happy birthday’ along with a prayer and a heart emoji. 

Former world welterweight champion Ricky was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 by his close friend and manager, Paul Speak. 

Claire and Ricky dated for several months in 2024, starting after they competed on ITV’s Dancing On Ice, but remained friends after ending their romance. 

But it’s clear that he’s never far from her thoughts because last month, Claire mentioned Ricky on Instagram while enjoying a shopping trip with her son Jaxon, 13.

They were both enthralled with an Only Fools And Horses toy which features a Del Boy figurine falling through the bar, mimicking the iconic scene which first aired in 1989 and was played by David Jason. 

‘Ricky would love that,’ Claire said. 

The much-loved boxer died just three months before he was due to make his professional comeback in Dubai. 

His death is not being treated as suspicious, and his funeral was held at Manchester Cathedral on October 10. 

Claire paid tribute to Ricky a few days after his death.

Sharing a video montage of him to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream, the actress 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,’ Claire wrote.

‘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.’