Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton's relationship is moving pretty quickly and they're already thinking of the future.
Boxer Ricky, 45, and Coronation Street actress Claire, 52, have been quietly dating for months after hitting it off while competing on ITV's Dancing On Ice earlier this year. In recent weeks the new couple are said to be 'besotted' with each other as they enjoy their new romance.
Ricky and Claire went public with their surprise relationship last week as they appeared loved-up on a date night out. The pair were spotted leaving a pub in Ricky's beloved Manchester, with Claire donning a classic LBD as she headed out with her new boxer beau.
But sources claim that the couple are already thinking of taking their relationship to the next stage and Coronation Street star Claire feels as though she's "won the lottery". "Claire and Ricky have become really close," a source told MailOnline. They went on to add: "She wasn't looking for a relationship but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural and she's really happy.
"She signed up for a reality TV show and met a great guy so it feels a bit like winning the lottery and she's really counting her blessings as it all came from nowhere and often that's the best way. She's now really looking forward to introducing Ricky to her family and friends soon and they are really looking forward to the guy who has put a smile on Claire's face."
Ricky and Claire are said to have had "electric chemistry" when they met during rehearsals for the ITV reality show. And sources said the get-together was one in a long line of dates they have been on since March. Claire was happily single, but Ricky – nicknamed The Hitman in his boxing days – turned her head.
A source told the Mirror: "The chemistry was electric. Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let's say he started wooing her. They've been out on several dates. Saturday was just one in a long line of them. They've been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted.
"It seems like an unlikely match but he's always had a way with women. They fall for his personality, and Claire has. He knows her number one priority is her son so they are being very careful. Let's watch this space."
The Mirror has approached Claire's spokesperson for comment.
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