Ricky Hatton’s Playboy ex sends shock warning to Claire Sweeney after new romance is revealed
RICKY Hatton’s Playboy ex Carla Howe has spoken out about his new love interest Claire Sweeney.
It's after the ex-world boxing champ was pictured with his arm around Coronation Street star Claire this weekend.
Carla, 33, swapped flirtatious texts with the smitten 45-year-old after meeting in 2021 - and is now warning Claire about his "wandering eye".
Ricky, also known as The Hitman, invited the blonde bombshell on a string of dates - and even an all expenses paid holiday to Tenerife.
Speaking to The Sun after we revealed Claire and Ricky are dating. Carla said: "When Ricky was pursuing me he was living a really unhealthy lifestyle - drinking a lot and partying. He was really immature.
"He seems to be back on track now and ready to settle down - if he can control his wandering eye.
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"I'm really shocked that he's gone for Claire. She's very different to who I would have expected him to end up with.
"I guess she might be a better fit for him. It seems like she'll be wearing the trousers and the one in control, whereas with me he was looking for someone more submissive.
"I wish him the best though. He's a lovely guy and deserves to be happy."
A rep for Ricky said he was “shocked” by Carla’s comments and insists they weren’t in a relationship.
Floyd Mayweather's former ring girl Carla said Ricky "wasn't her type" and shut down any chance of a relationship.
Instead she's got her eye on two-time former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
However she remained friends with Ricky and model Carla says they last spoke at the end of last year ahead of his Dancing on Ice stint.
That's where he met actress Claire who was also competing on the ITV show. Ricky hasn't been in touch with Carla since.
However, she claims he always 'likes' and views her saucy snaps she posts on her Instastory - even now he's dating Claire.
The Sun revealed exclusive pictures of Claire and Ricky looking cosy on a night out at the weekend.
They've been dating in recent weeks after getting together during Dancing on Ice.
They walked between bars in Manchester with Claire putting her arm around the ex-welterweight’s shoulder.
She and Ricky, dubbed The Hitman, were seen carrying champagne bottles out of a pub at 6pm on Saturday before going to another venue.
They called it a night at 11pm, with Claire and Ricky seen cuddling in the street as they said goodbye to pals.
Onlookers also reported seeing the couple at Liverpool’s Cavern club on Sunday.
A source said: “They became friends on Dancing On Ice and really hit it off.
“It’s since become romantic and they’ve enjoyed a few dates. It’s early days but they’ve got a spark and have been having a great time.”
Ricky split from Playboy model Chelsea Claire, 14 years his junior, days before his Dancing On Ice debut. Those close to Ricky said the age gap became too much.
He was the first off the ITV show but stayed in touch with Claire, who got to week three.
Dad-of-three Ricky was devastated when fiancée Jennifer Dooley, 44, left him in 2016 after he went on a string of booze benders.
Scouser Claire was engaged to Daniel Reilly, dad of her son, Jaxon, but they split in 2015.
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She found fame as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside from 1991-2003, before starring in Chicago in the West End and on ITV’s Loose Women.
Last year she joined Corrie as Cassandra Plummer, mum of Tyrone Dobbs, and it has developed into a major role.
