“She Couldn’t Hold Back Tears” 
— Claire Sweeney’s Emotional Goodbye to Ricky Hatton Leaves Fans Wondering What She Whispered at His Funeral…
Claire Sweeney paid her respects to her ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton as she attended his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral on Friday.
The boxer’s life was celebrated by a host of celebrities and members of the public as he was laid to rest after being found dead aged 46 at his Hyde home on September 14.
Claire, 54, 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.
The former Coronation Street star looked sombre as she arrived at the service in a black peplum dress and veiled fascinator.
Claire was joined at the service by the likes of Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury and Wayne and Coleen Rooney, as well as the great and good of British boxing.
As mourners reflected on Ricky’s life and times, the funeral cortege departed from the Cheshire Cheese pub – his local – on Stockport Road in Hyde and travelled to Harehill Tavern before doves were released in Ricky’s honour at The New Inn.
Claire Sweeney paid her respects to her ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton as she attended his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral on Friday
Claire, 54, 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
In a nod to Ricky’s love of classic TV comedy Only Fools and Horses, his yellow Reliant Robin van formed part of the cortege, transported on a low-loader trailer.
Some of the mourners waved Manchester City flags emblazoned with ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton’ as the cortege drove by the Cheshire Cheese at 9.45am.
Hundreds stood outside the pub to pay their respects and they burst into a respectful applause as the ‘Trotters Independent Trading Co’ van owned by Ricky stopped.
Many mourners placed flowers and tributes on the low-loader transporting the vehicle. Ricky’s body was in a blue coffin with ‘Blue Moon’ etched on the side.
Regulars at the Shepherds Call – close to Ricky’s gym – raised their glasses as the cortège drove past.
Other mourners – some wearing Manchester City shirts, flags and waving flags – lined both sides of the street across from Energie Fitness – Ricky’s gym. The gym was closed today.
Fans clapped and released balloons and set off blue flares.
There was a pause at Ricky’s Gym before the hearse continued on to Manchester Cathedral via Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies gym in Denton and the AO Arena.
The former Coronation Street star looked sombre as she arrived at the service in a black peplum dress and veiled fascinator
Tyson Fury and the Rooneys were among those attending the funeral
Many mourners placed flowers and tributes on the low-loader transporting the vehicle. Ricky’s body was in a blue coffin with ‘Blue Moon’ etched on the side.
The AO Arena is where he enjoyed some of his finest nights, the highlight indisputably being a win over the celebrated Kostya Tszyu on a raucous night 20 years ago to capture his first world title.
Following a private memorial service, starting at 12pm, the procession will make its way from the cathedral to the Etihad Stadium, home of Ricky’s beloved Manchester City.
Entry to the service was by invitation only.
The sporting world was left reeling at Ricky’s death in September, which came just three months before he was due to make his professional comeback in Dubai.
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.’
