Liverpool native Claire Sweeney, famous for her roles in Brookside and Coronation Street, has reportedly been romantically involved with boxer Ricky Hatton for several weeks.

Their romance is said to have blossomed during rehearsals for the latest series of ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Daily Echo readers may remember when Hatton visited Southampton to watch his football team play before mixing with home fans in the pub.

Ricky had made a special appearance among the football fans in Southampton after Saints earned a hard-fought draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City

Following the 1-1 draw, the former boxing champion, who is also a devoted City fan, mingled with home supporters at O’Neills, Above Bar Street, on January 22.

Summing up the first half of the match, he said: “I thought we struggled at first.

"Southampton played a good game. They pressed and bullied us in midfield. We had most of the possession, but every time they attacked, it looked like they were going to score."

Saints led by 1-0 at the break after defender Kyle Walker-Peters worked a neat one-two with midfielder Nathan Redmond before firing across the face of goal to score the opener.

Hailing from Stockport, the boxer expressed his views on the second half, in which City managed to level the score following a well-executed free kick by Kevin de Bruyne.

“It was a bit of a mismatch, in the sense City dominated possession and had lots of chances,” he said

“Ultimately over the full game, I thought Southampton played well, and I can’t argue with a draw.”

Speaking highly of Saints, Hatton said: “They defended very well, and were a very good team today.

"Maybe we did enough to pinch it in the second half with the chances we had, but I think that conclusion would be disrespectful to Southampton.

“After today, I am not worried about Southampton’s position in the Premier League. If they can get in the top 10 this year, I think they can build on that next season.”