Ricky Hatton shares a sweet birthday message for his 'gorgeous' girlfriend ... trends now

Ricky Hatton shared a sweet birthday message for his girlfriend Claire Sweeney on Wednesday after their new romance was revealed this month.

Boxer Ricky, 45, called his new love 'gorgeous' in his post as he shared two snaps on them together on his Instagram. 

It comes as Coronation Street star Claire, 53, has told friends she feels like 'she has won the lottery' as her new romance with Ricky heats up - who she was first seen on a cosy night out with earlier this month. 

In his birthday tribute they beamed in one selfie backstage at Dancing on Ice which is where they first met before love blossomed. 

He penned in the caption: 'Happy birthday claire. Have the best day gorgeous. Lots of love. Ricky. xxx @claire.sweeney.'

Claire has told friends she feels like 'she has won the lottery' as her romance with Ricky goes from strength to strength. 

Pals close to the actress say the relationship 'came from nowhere' after she met boxer Ricky.

'Claire and Ricky have become really close,' the friend told MailOnline. 'She wasn't looking for a relationship but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural and she's really happy.

'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.'

Meanwhile a source close to Ricky joked: 'At first Ricky thought signing up for DOI had been a big mistake because he wasn't the greatest ice skater! But as soon as he was introduced to Claire he realised agreeing to the show was a great move.

'They're having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves.'

The pair met on the ITV show and started dating after Ricky messaged her and invited her to a boxing event.