RICKY Hatton gushed about "gorgeous" new girlfriend Claire Sweeney as he celebrated her birthday with a sweet tribute.
Actress Claire Sweeney, 53, and boxer Ricky, 45, - stars of the 2024 Dancing On Ice series - have been spotted enjoying a string of sweet dates of late.
The Brookside lass took their relationship to the next level when she admitted she felt like she had "won the lottery" with her new man.
Now the sports champ has proven the feelings are very much mutual with his latest Instagram post.
Ricky, who was booted off in the first week of Dancing On Ice, uploaded two snaps showing them getting close.
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The first image saw them snuggling on the set of the ITV series and the second out on a date night.
In his caption, he wrote: "Happy Birthday Claire. Have the best day gorgeous.
"Lots of love. Ricky. xxx"
He finished off by tagging Claire's account directly and adding a red Emoji love heart.
Next step
Earlier this month, we exclusively reported how Claire was seen cuddling Ricky as they stepped out in Manchester.
The duo had their arms wrapped around each other - with the Liverpudlian lass looking elegant in an LBD.
The duo then enjoyed another sweet date at a pub in Stockport.
Recently, we told how soap legend Claire was ready to take the next steps and introduce Ricky to her loved ones.
A friend of the star's told MailOnline, "Claire and Ricky have become really close. She wasn't looking for a relationship but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural and she's really happy.
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"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."
We previously told how the pair have been secretly dating for months as pals claim "they have spark."
Yet they are not the only DOI to find love outside the rink - with a slew of former show stars linking up.
