Claire Sweeney shares heartwarming moment with son as she grieves Ricky Hatton's death
The Coronation Street star finds solace in family as former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton dies at 46; authorities say the death is not suspicious.
Claire Sweeney shared a heartwarming moment with her son Jaxon, 10, on Tuesday as she continues to navigate the loss of her friend and former partner Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 earlier this month at his home in Greater Manchester. Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton, the former world boxing champion, had been a close friend of Sweeney and the pair also enjoyed an eight-month romance last year, with the actress publicly voicing her devastation in the days after his death. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and colleagues who mourn the loss of a widely respected figure in the sport and entertainment worlds.
On Tuesday, Sweeney and Jaxon stepped out for a day that offered a lighter moment amid the grief, attending Wicked on the West End. The outing followed a candid moment the actress shared earlier this week on Instagram, posting a photo of the pair embracing in their kitchen as they supported one another. Followers and friends flooded the comments with messages of support, praising the bond between mother and son and noting that the hug appeared to come at a time of need.
Sweeney paid tribute to Hatton last week with a montage on Instagram set to Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream. In the accompanying caption, she expressed condolences to Hatton’s family and spoke of the ongoing impact of the loss on those who knew him, including his children and granddaughter. The Hatton family subsequently issued a statement acknowledging the shock of his passing, describing him as a loving father and grandfather who had been excited about the future despite his documented struggles in recent years. They asked for privacy as they processed the loss and offered thanks for the public expressions of sympathy.
Hatton’s family noted that he had been spending time with relatives in the days leading up to his death and that he remained hopeful about opportunities ahead, including plans tied to boxing and promotion. They recalled that he had been looking forward to a comeback and to celebrating milestones with his daughters and granddaughter. The statement also highlighted that Hatton’s life touched many people and that the public response has been a source of consolation for those close to him.
From a career standpoint, Hatton had stepped back from competing and moved into coaching after retiring from professional boxing, with a December return once planned before his death. The public timeline of Hatton’s personal and professional life in the past year shows a dynamic figure who balanced mentoring young athletes with the demands of his own public profile. Sweeney has described Hatton as a kind and generous person who remained a steadfast friend long after their romance ended.
The couple’s history stretches back more than 25 years, with their paths crossing initially through shared circles in boxing and entertainment. They began spending time together after meeting on Dancing On Ice in January 2024, and while their romantic relationship did not endure, both continued to speak warmly of their ongoing friendship. Sweeney has said she valued Hatton’s companionship as she navigated personal changes, including her separation from ex Daniel Reilly in 2017, with whom she shares son Jaxon.
Hatton’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and figures across sport and show business. In the days since his passing, messages from friends and colleagues have underscored his role as a devoted father and grandfather, and as a “people’s champ” who connected with fans through his work and his affable nature. In their statement, Hatton’s family expressed gratitude for the support they have received while asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourn.
As Sweeney and Jaxon continue to grieve, they have also demonstrated the healing power of family. The West End day out to Wicked offered a moment of normalcy and shared joy, while the Instagram post of a tender kitchen hug provided fans with a glimpse of the private strength that sustains them through sorrow. In the coming weeks, friends and fans will be watching for any public remarks or tributes from Sweeney and from those who knew Hatton well, as the boxing and entertainment communities reflect on his legacy and the friendships that endured beyond the spotlight.