Fans were surprised at the news Claire Sweeney and boxing legend Ricky Hatton have officially split.
The pair, who sparked up a romance earlier this year after connecting on ITV's Dancing On Ice, decided to go their separate ways after realising they just weren't meant to be, despite hopes to stay mates.
The couple's relationship reportedly came undone due to their clashing lifestyles, leaving them to agree it was best to call it quits. Despite the romantic let-down, Claire dazzled during her latest night out at The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London on Sunday, reports The Mirror.
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Turning heads, she slipped into a jaw-dropping snug white gown with a swooping neckline and a glistening cape that sprinkled her with stardust. And talk about attention to detail – Claire matched her lipstick and nails to perfection.
She completed the ensemble with shiny silver heels and let her blonde tresses cascade for that extra bit of glam. Speaking to MailOnline about her recent heartache, Claire remained upbeat saying: "I'm great - we're still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we're friends again. It's all good!"
Meanwhile, sources insisted it was an amicable parting and stressed that both are keen on preserving their friendship post-split.
"They decided they're better off as pals and are no longer romantically togetherm" an insider said. "They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different."
The source further explained the reason behind the split, revealing: "While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-gliding, Ricky's more freewheeling and unpredictable.
"Ricky is already packing his bags for a getaway to Tenerife, where he feels more at home. Meanwhile, Claire's putting her heart and soul into her career, leaving romance behind."
The insider also mentioned that Claire is being "consoled by celebrity friends and fellow cast members".
Claire has been divorced twice, with the star being married to Tony Hibbard from 2001 until 2007 and then Daniel Reilly from 2013 until 2015.
On the other hand, Ricky has never married but was in an 11-year relationship with Jennifer Dooley from 2005 until 2016. He is also the father of 23-year-old boxer Campbell Hatton, who he shares with another ex-girlfriend who is also named Claire.
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