Soap star Claire Sweeney has addressed a romance "spark" following rumours she is dating Ricky Hatton.
The Coronation Street actress, 53, won over fans with her role as Cassandra Plummer in the ITV soap. She has become a familiar face in the Dobbs household since her debut on the soap last year as fan-favourite Tyrone’s long-lost mum. Earlier this year, Claire sparked romance rumours with boxer Ricky, 45, after they met on Dancing On Ice.
The new couple made their red carpet debut at the official opening of the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester and Claire and Ricky flew off to Tenerife for their first holiday together last month. Claire has since spoke about romance connections as she opened up on her soap character Cassie.
Her romance hopes with Kevin have been dashed and Claire has teased a new relationship could be on the cards for Cassie. She thinks Steve, played by Simon Gregson, might be right for her. “For a start, he’s available. When Cassie was trying to pinch married Kevin, it was so horrible!” Claire told OK! Magazine.
“There’s a spark between her and Steve. He’s an absolute minx when he gets Cassie to cut Ken’s toenails but it’s like she’s the girl he fancies in the playground – you go up and poke her then run away." Claire admitted she doesn't know if the connection will "go anywhere" yet but she is "enjoying" working with Simon.
Claire and Ricky have been snapped on nights out together, leaving fans delighted. One said: “You look good together”, as another posted: "You and Claire are the best match ever." A third fan added: "Oh I just adore Claire Sweeney, aww cute couple." While a fourth said: "This is nice. As long as the two of you are happy."
Ricky is said to have “a way with women” and a source told the Mirror earlier this year that their chemistry was “electric”. They said: “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.” It is thought things are becoming serious between them and Claire is planning to introduce Ricky to her family, including her nine-year-old son Jaxon, who she shares with ex Daniel Reilly.
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