Ricky Hatton Dancing On Ice partner says Claire Sweeney will be heartbroken by his death

Ricky Hatton's death has shocked the world, and his Dancing On Ice partner has opened up on how much it will be affecting his ex-girlfriend, Claire Sweeney. The former boxer and Brookside actress hit it off when they both appeared on the popular skating contest.

Their friendship soon blossomed into a romance and despite things not working out between the pair, Ricky's dance partner on the show, Robin Johnstone, says Claire will be heartbroken by the tragic news.

Former world champion boxer Ricky was found dead at his home this weekend aged 46. His death isn't being treated as suspicious. A police cordon remains in place at Hatton's home in Gee Cross, Hyde. He would have turned 47 next month and leaves behind three children including his son Campbell, who also boxed professionally before retiring earlier this year.

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton said 'helping others is my medicine' in emotional final Mirror interview

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton's 'devastated' Dancing on Ice partner breaks silence after his death

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Robin opened up on the tragedy, and explained the devastation Claire will be feeling: "We were friends with Claire, too," she said.

"I haven’t talked to Claire in a while, but they remained good friends as far as I know, so I’m sure she’s heartbroken, everyone on the show will be so upset and sad.

"You become so close on a show like Dancing On Ice. He just loved life. He seemed like such a happy-go-lucky guy, so caring. We’ll miss him terribly."

Robin spoke of the close bond she and Ricky built once the show finished, explaining how she would be speak to the star every couple of weeks to check in. "Out of all my partners on the show, we kept in touch the most.

"He was in training mode and seemed in such good form, he was asking how we were… we were on the Torvill and Dean tour, and his girls came with him to see the show. We’ve met his girls quite a few times."

Celebrities joined the fans across the world in paying their respects to the boxing legend following the shocking news. Among them was fellow Mancunian Will Mellor.

The Coronation Street star took to Twitter/X to share a sad message with his following. Alongside a black-and-white image of the star, which had the words RIP Ricky in sky blue at the bottom, marking his love for Manchester City, Will said:"I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my good friend Ricky Hatton!!

"He was the real people’s champion but his biggest battle was his mental health! May you rest in peace mate. #RIPRickyHatton #rip #mentalhealth."

David Beckham also took to social media following the news. Over several Instagram Stories, he wrote: "Ricky was one of a kind.. Just Heartbreaking," alongside a blue heart emoji.

He followed it up by sharing more images of the former sports star, saying: "Ricky was special in many way... Loved by his fans."

And then, he shared a quote from Ricky alongside a broken heart emoji. It read: "As long as I've got the love of the fans, that means everything to me."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.