Ricky Hatton has opened up about how his girlfriend Claire Sweeney saved him from being "Billy no mates" on Dancing on Ice . The 45-year-old boxing legend and the former Brookside actress hit it off while competing on the ITV ice-skating show earlier this year and now, five months into their relationship, Ricky is keen to see it last. Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said: "I had a good laugh on the ice.
I mean, after the first day, I was scared to death but I always love a challenge. I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to meet Claire. I was always a Billy no mates at these things before Claire.
Me and Claire have been together about five months now and long may it continue." In May Ricky couldn't help but praise Claire, 53, especially after their getaway to Tenerife. When quizzed by The Sun about their holiday Ricky enthused: "It was great! Claire is like me, I've met someone who I get on with like a house on fire.
She is just like me. We spend our whole time laughing together. Claire is just like me - she's so down to earth.
She would never turn a picture down with a fan and she's always got time for people. That's what I really like about her. We've just been having good fun.
" READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson 'offered I'm A Celebrity hundreds of times' READ MORE: TV chef James Martin admits to sleeping in camper van amid fears of career ending Following their participation in Dancing on Ice the couple were seen sharing a warm embrace in April, which was followed b.
