Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney take HUGE next step in their relationship as they share a slew of loved up snaps

They made their red carpet debut as a couple last month.

And Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney took the next big step in their relationship this week when they jetted off to sun soaked Tenerife for their first holiday as a couple.

The former boxer, 45, took to Instagram with a slew of loved up snaps with the actress, 53, as they enjoyed a romantic meal before watching his beloved Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Wolves with pals.

Claire looked gorgeous in a plunging summer dress which perfectly showcased her newly sun-kissed skin, while Ricky cut a suave figure in black.

He captioned the post:  ‘Great evening & food last night with our friends @elmiradortenerife Thank you so much for looking after me as you always do. Fantastic night. Ricky & Claire X’

It comes after Claire and Ricky made their first public appearance together at the Co-op Live official welcome ceremony.

The showbiz pair looked great together as joined other celebs to take a look at Manchester’s newest event space.

They confirmed their relationship with the outing, but just days before, Ricky took to Instagram with a loved-up birthday message for Claire.

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

A friend of Claire’s told MailOnline: ‘Claire and Ricky have become really close. 

‘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 meeting 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.

And Corrie star Claire was left floored by the boxing legend’s knockout charm.

Friends say the retired World Champion is ‘one of the funniest people’ she’s ever met – and that the pair have grown ‘incredibly close’ and are plotting a Summer getaway.

A source said: ‘Anyone who knows Ricky knows how funny and entertaining he can be. But Claire had no idea until she met him on Dancing on Ice, and that’s what really attracted her to him initially. He constantly had her in hysterics and they grew closer and closer after that.

‘Things have become serious quite quickly and they are just really enjoying each other’s company and seeing how things develop from here.

‘They are also discussing possibly going on holiday together to Tenerife the Summer which will see their relationship go to the next level.’

Pals also think Claire could prove to be a good influence on Ricky who has suffered from personal issues in the past.

Our source added: ‘Ricky’s had a bit of a rollercoaster lifestyle in the past. Since retiring there has often been a lot of drinking and partying which he combines with his boxing training and his coaching of other fighters.

‘But Ricky is keen to draw a line under a lot of that. He still likes a drink and a laugh, but he’s back on track and open-minded to settling down. That’s why his friends and family are delighted someone like Claire has come along. They think it could be just the right moment for them both and everyone just wants them to be happy.’

Details of the pair’s relationship emerged last week, with sources revealing that they had developed ‘electric chemistry’ during the show.