Coronation Street star opens up on new romance with celebrity she has known for 25 years

Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney opened up about her new relationship with ex pro boxer Ricky Hatton.

The Cassie Plummer actress, 52, and the ex pro boxer, 45, previously enjoyed a romantic date in April this year with pictures showing the pair looking loved-up with their arms around each other.

During Thursday’s instalment of Lorraine, the ITV host said: ‘You have found love when you weren’t looking for it.’

‘I’ve known him for 25 years or so, we kind of always passed each other during events’ Claire explained.

Claire, who was recently part of this year’s Dancing on Ice alongside Ricky, added: ‘Do you know what? He makes me laugh, that’s it.

‘I first met him in La Manga in the early 2000’s, then we did Dance for Comic Relief together 2013, and then we met on Dancing on Ice and it’s great… He makes me laugh and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like!’

This comes after Claire shared a picture of her and Ricky smiling from ear to ear during their romantic holiday in Tenerife.

‘Great few days in Tenerife. #goodtimes @rickyhitmanhatton,’ she captioned the post.

Former Dancing on Ice star Adele Roberts commented a string of heart emojis in response, while @pearcey225 added: ‘Hope you had a great time away. You both look so very happy. So pleased for you.’

Claire previously opened up about wanting to find love, telling The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast: ‘I really want to be with someone who makes me laugh. Someone who’s kind. Someone I will click with.

‘So, someone like that, it just wouldn’t be about aesthetics – OK, there’s an initial attraction but I want it to be more than aesthetics, that’s the type of person I’m looking for.’