Claire Sweeney holds hands with Ricky Hatton on romantic holiday as Dancing on Ice stars look smitten
CLAIRE Sweeney and Ricky Hatton look inseparable as they spend time together on a romantic holiday in Spain.
The couple have jetted off to Tenerife for some time together in Tenerife, with Claire beaming ear to ear as she was seen walking hand-in-hand with “The Hitman”.
Ricky and Claire first stopped off in a bar before heading off for a stroll around the town, later sharing photos of their day out together on Instagram.
But these new shots see them looking absolutely besotted, with Ricky keeping a protective lead of Clare as they made their way out of a pub.
Ricky was dressed in all black, while Claire put on a bright summer dress perfect for the Spanish sun.
Despite wanting a romantic break, the couple happily snapped pics with staff at the restaurant that evening.
Sharing photos of him and Claire together on Instagram, Ricky later wrote: “Great evening & food last night with our friends [El Mirador Restaurant]. Thank you so much for looking after me as you always do. Fantastic night. Ricky & claire X”
Since The Sun revealed the couple were now an item just over a month ago the pair have been going from strength to strength.
Ricky, who first met soap legend Claire, 52, while taking part in Dancing on Ice‘s 2024 series, was seen cuddling the actress on a bar crawl at the beginning of April.
While he only lasted a week in the BBC competition, he became close to Claire, and remained in touch. Claire was eliminated in the third week.
Just a week after they were first spotted, they enjoyed a second romantic date at a pub, taking pictures with the staff at The Crown boozer in Heaton Moor, Stockport.
The couple’s blossoming new romance follows a series of personal heartbreaks throughout the years.
Dad-of-three Ricky was devastated when fiancée Jennifer Dooley, 44, left him in 2016 after he went on a string of booze benders.
Ricky split from Playboy model Chelsea Claire, 14 years his junior, days before his debut in the reality show – with those close to Ricky saying the age gap became too much.
Scouser Claire was engaged to Daniel Reilly, father to her son Jaxon, but they split in 2015.
But it seems Ricky has already proven a hit with pals following their unexpected connection.
A friend 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.”