Claire Sweeney breaks silence on split from Ricky Hatton as the newly-single Coronation Street star hits the red carpet
CLAIRE Sweeney was all smiles as she stepped out for a night on the town after her split from Ricky Hatton.
The 53-year-old Corrie star found love with the iconic boxer when they both competed on Dancing on Ice last year.
However, it was confirmed today the pair had gone their separate ways after an eight-month whirlwind romance that saw them jet across the world together.
But rather than feel down, Claire was still beaming as she dazzled in a white glittery dress on the red carpet for the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical on the West End.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Claire said she was doing "great" after the break-up and added: "We're still friends. We were friends, we dated then we're friends again. It's all good."
Claire didn't attend the event alone, instead bringing along her young son, Jaxon, who she noted was wearing his first tux.
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Ricky and Claire had been friends for 25 years before things became romantic after they both appeared on Dancing on Ice at the start of the year.
Since then they have shared a string of romantic trips including dates in Mallorca, nights out at the local pub, and enjoying events including Lytham music Festival in the summer.
The couple appeared smitten, with Claire telling friends she "felt like she'd won the lottery" by dating Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, while he posted gushing messages on her Instagram for her birthday.
Claire and Ricky's break-up was revealed today, with a source telling : "Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no fallout between them.
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"They decided they're better off as pals and are no longer romantically together."
The insider said the couple's different lifestyles is what came between them, despite a lot of shared interests.
They added: "While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-gliding, Ricky's more freewheeling and unpredictable."
The source added that Ricky was already planning to head off to Tenerife "where he feels more at home".
Meanwhile Claire is focusing on her work and being consoled by her celeb pals and Coronation Street cast mates.
