Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice co-stars had led tributes to the former world boxing champion who has died age 46.
The boxing icon was found at his home in Greater Manchester this morning, where a police cordon currently sits outside, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
As the news broke, Ricky’s celebrity friends paid tribute to the sportsman.
Olympian Greg Rutherford competed alongside Ricky on the 2024 series of Dancing On Ice, and shared a photo of the two sportsman smiling on the rink.
‘Utterly hear breaking news,’ Greg wrote. ‘I was so star struck when I met Ricky for the first time and asked for this photo. I told him how big a fan I was and through the entire chat he couldn’t have been kinder and more engaged.’
‘Getting to know him the little bit I did that kindness always shined through. We had a couple of chats about mental health and the battles he’d faced and I told him some things that I hadn’t told anyone else about my own battles. He had some amazing words of support and I will always be thankful for that.’
Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice co-stars had led tributes to the former world boxing champion who has died age 46. Olympian Greg Rutherford competed alongside Ricky on the 2024 series of Dancing On Ice, and shared a photo of the two sportsman smiling on the rink
‘Utterly hear breaking news,’ Greg wrote. ‘I was so star struck when I met Ricky for the first time and asked for this photo’
Fellow DOI star Amber Davies wrote on Instagram: Lovely Roicky, thinking of all his loved ones. One of the sweetest during our time together on Dancing On Ice’
‘A great human first and one of the greatest boxers we’ve seen. He’s going to be so missed. Love to his family.’
Fellow DOI star Amber Davies wrote on Instagram: Lovely Ricky, thinking of all his loved ones. One of the sweetest during our time together on Dancing On Ice. RIP.’
Oti Mabuse, who was a judge on Dancing On Ice during Ricky’s tenure, posted on Instagram Stories: ‘My heart goes out to @rickyhitmanhatton. Kindest heart and sweetest man, was like a father to many celebs on DOI #RIP.’
Piers Morgan also paid tribute, writing on X: ‘RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.’
During his BBC Radio 2 show, Paddy McGuinness broke the news of Ricky’s passing, fighting back tears as he paid tribute to his ‘great mate.’
He told listeners: ‘I’ve just learned, terrible news that a great mate of mine has passed away, Ricky Hatton. Sending love and thoughts are with his family.’
Dedicating his next song to Ricky, Paddy then played the Frank Sinatra hit Blue Moon.
Paddy also shared a throwback image of himself alongside Ricky, Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, when all four of them played for England in Soccer Aid in 2010.
Oti Mabuse, who was a judge on Dancing On Ice during Ricky’s tenure, posted her own tribute to him on Instagram Stories
Paddy McGuinness shared a throwback image of himself alongside Ricky, Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, when all four of them played for England in Soccer Aid in 2010
He captioned the post: ‘World Champion. People’s Champion. I’ve had some great times with Ricky over the years.
‘From being out in Vegas to the streets of Manchester, he always had time for everyone. Deepest condolences to Ray, Carol, Campbell, Millie, Fearne and all his family. Rest In Greatness champ.’
The former world boxing champion, died aged 46 – just weeks after announcing a dramatic return to the ring.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.’
Daily Mail Sport understands that friends were initially concerned last night, when Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of his boxers.
After retiring from the ring, he had moved in to coaching but was due to return to the sport with a fight planned in December.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
