The former partner of boxing legend Ricky Hatton has emotionally opened up about his death for the first time

Ricky Hatton’s former fiancée, Jennifer Dooley, has spoken about his death in an interview for the very first time. It has been nearly a year to the day since The Hitman’s passing.

Greater Manchester was left in ruin on September 14, 2025, when former two-weight world champion Hatton, one of the city’s own, was discovered unresponsive at his home aged 46.

Hatton embodied the spirit of Manchester and thousands lined the streets on October 10 last year as Hatton’s 14-mile funeral procession wound its way from his hometown of Hyde to Manchester Cathedral and eventually the Etihad Stadium. The eulogy at Hatton’s service was delivered by close friend and former head of boxing at Sky Sports, Adam Smith.

In honour of Hatton, Smith has written a book entitled Ricky Hatton: The Light That Never Goes Out. Smith spoke with members of the Hatton family for this heartfelt tribute, as well as some of the fighter’s former partners. This included Dooley, who had only addressed Hatton’s death previously during his inquest and agonisingly said: “I always knew he wasn’t going to be an old man.”

Hatton began dating Dooley shortly after his world title victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and went on to welcome two daughters, Millie and Fearne, with her. He had previously fathered a son, Campbell, with a former girlfriend in 2001 and had since become a grandfather to Campbell’s daughter, Lyla.

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The couple got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2009, but over the following decade their relationship came under increasing pressure as Hatton struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse. They eventually separated in 2016, though they remained amicable and successfully co-parented their children.

Dooley made the heartbreaking confession in the book, saying: “I always knew he wasn’t going to be an old man. Rick was quite childlike and maybe he never really became an independent, fully functioning adult. I think that’s why he got on with his kids so well. Rick’s favourite time was with his girls.

“He lived for everybody else. He was vulnerable about mental health and so many have come to me since his passing and said they had been very close to the edge.

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“Rick was really empathetic and looked at life through a wide lens, not concentrating on himself. He thought he was the same as everyone else, with small children, trying to navigate life, but he was actually a trailblazer. I wish we could have done something, but he wanted to save others.

“He was as daft as a brush but also so switched on, a contradiction, yes, but he felt very deeply. Millie and Fearne loved their time in the house with him. He was really affectionate and cuddly and they loved him hugely.”

Former Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney began dating Hatton in early 2024, though the pair had known each other for decades, having first crossed paths at various events.

It was their joint appearance on ITV’s Dancing on Ice that truly brought them together and they made their red-carpet debut as a couple in May 2024. She opened up more about their relationship in the book, saying: “I was better than him on the ice. I miss the laughter, even after we split, we were great pals.”

Sweeney and Hatton’s romance lasted less than a year before they parted ways in December 2024, yet the two remained on close terms. She added: “I was blessed to be part of his life.

“He was such a good dad and I have a son so I understood. Ricky introduced me to his great mates. We spoke all the time. Ricky was the joker and although he had his deep moments, the only thing I noticed was that he became unusually reflective. He always had so much time for people.

“My happiest time was when I would come home from filming Corrie and we would cook a nice, healthy meal. Not naughty food. I even introduced him to an air fryer and it changed his life!

“Ricky would get so excited choosing a boxing movie for his home cinema. We would sit on the sofa and watch films. He was so normal. [But] I saw his vulnerabilities.

“He was not frightened to show me then. He was extreme, but he was wonderful. I loved being with all his mates at the pub on the estate or having a sing-song at home. So much laughter. He made me laugh so much.”

Rohit Sharma is set to step into a new arena as he makes his television debut with the upcoming game show Family Full House. Recently, giving fans a glimpse into his first day on set, Rohit shared his excitement about embarking on this new journey and experiencing the world of entertainment from behind the host’s desk. Now, in a video that has been going viral on social media from the sets of the show, Rohit’s T-shirt has become a topic of conversation.

Rohit can be seen wearing a white T-shirt on which the words ‘non-committal?’ are written. Some social media users claimed that the ‘non-committal’ word may be a dig at BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, whio had in October, 2025 said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were ‘non-committal’ with regards to the 2027 World Cup.  

Rohit Sharma cooked Ajit Agarkar BADLY. 💀

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Last October, when Ajit Agarkar was asked about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in the 2027 World Cup, he described both as “non-committal.”

Fast-forward to now: Rohit is set to appear on Sony TV’s new show Family Full House,… pic.twitter.com/YQhkjvCZJB

— Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) September 10, 2026

Rare W with Rohit Sharma.

My blud cooked Agarkar and Gambhir with this non-committal T-shirt 😭 pic.twitter.com/hksZoMn6Xn

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— ‘ (@CristianoCR7_un) September 10, 2026

Rohit Sharma wearing non committal T-shirt. pic.twitter.com/Cvw8CDyoGN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 10, 2026

Rohit wearing a T-shirt “NON COMMITAL” 😭 pic.twitter.com/ccGlVZR5oA

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— Samarth Sharma (@Highonro) [September 10, 2026](https://x.com/Highonro/status/2097901545753039314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Family Full House with Rohit Sharma is set to premiere on September 19, 2026, on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

In the behind-the-scenes glimpse, released earlier, Rohit can be seen settling into his new surroundings and getting a feel for life on the other side of the camera. There is a sense of curiosity and excitement as he steps into a role that is quite different from the cricket field, one that calls for quick wit, spontaneity, and plenty of interaction.

Interestingly, his customised lounge on the sets seems to bring a little bit of the cricketer into his new avatar. Designed around his personality and sporting journey, the space features his iconic jersey framed on the wall, a ‘Hitman’ carving on the feature wall, along with his helmet and bat displayed prominently on a shelf.

Adding to the sporting vibe is the striking blue colour palette of the lounge. From getting familiar with his new role as a host to being part of the show’s lively format, the cricketer-turned-entertainer appears ready to embrace a side of himself audiences haven’t seen before.

For someone who has spent years mastering the art of reading a game, Rohit now appears ready to read a room and entertain an audience.

The first-look glimpse also gives viewers a sense of Rohit embracing the lively atmosphere of Family Full House as he begins finding his rhythm in the host’s chair. While cricket fans know him for his calm presence, big-match temperament, and effortless humour, the show promises to reveal a different side of the star.

With the first shoot now underway, Rohit’s transition from the cricket pitch to the television studio is officially in motion. Whether he can bring the same instinct and timing to the entertainment arena remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Hitman is ready for his next innings.

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Barcelona midfielder Rodri says he has apologised to the entire Valencia squad after television cameras appeared to catch him describing the La Liga strugglers as “very weak”.

Rodri reportedly made the comment to Barcelona team-mates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha while sitting on the bench after being substituted during his side’s 5-0 league win against Valencia on Sunday.

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The result at Mestella Stadium left Valencia bottom of the table with no wins in their first four matches.

Though the footage has no audio, broadcaster Movistar claimed they lip-read the 30-year-old former Manchester City player saying: “They’re really weak. They haven’t got past the halfway line.”

Fans and sections of the Spanish media accused Rodri, who won the golden ball as Spain won the 2026 World Cup, of being disrespectful.

“I apologised to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya [Spain defender and Valencia captain] and to the entire squad as well,” Rodri said after Barcelona’s 5-1 win against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday.

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“I also want to make it clear that it was simply an expression of surprise – anyone watching the video can see that.

“At no point did I intend to mock anyone or take a difficult moment for a team out of context. Quite the opposite – we all want Valencia to return to where it belongs in the league, it is one of the best clubs in the competition. I simply wanted to say that.

“I would also add that it was a private conversation; I think we should all learn a bit more from this, as things really do get taken out of context sometimes. But at no point did I mean any disrespect. My apologies to Valencia.”

Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism over her participation in women’s cricket in Australia, saying she has scientific evidence to show that she does not have an unfair physical advantage.Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer and ex-batting coach Sanjay Bangar, played age-group men’s cricket for Mumbai before beginning her gender transition in 2022. She underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026.The 25-year-old has been cleared by Cricket Australia to play women’s cricket at community level in Australia, subject to its policy requirements.Bangar told the UK-based Daily Mail that she wanted to use the criticism surrounding her eligibility to create more awareness about transgender athletes and the process they go through.“I’m willing to take that and basically try to turn that into education and awareness, which I intend to do through my case and many other people out there who have gone through the same process as me and don’t have any unfair advantage,” she said, as quoted by Daily Mail.“I think that’s where it all comes down to, and I hope people eventually understand.”As part of research at the Manchester University Institute of Sport, Bangar was assessed after more than a year of hormone replacement therapy and testosterone suppression, Daily Mail report said. Researchers looked at her lung capacity, power output and haemoglobin levels and compared the results with those of cisgender female athletes.Bangar said the measurements from the research fell within the range recorded among cisgender female athletes.“Whatever data that suggested, it all fell within that range,” Bangar said.She said her argument was based on the results of the research rather than her personal views.“I’m not talking from personal feelings or opinions. I have actual scientific evidence backing my case. My advocacy in this part is that not all trans women have an unfair advantage. It needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, similar to how Cricket Australia has approached my case, and I think that’s how it should be worldwide as well.”

Jason ‘Stubby’ Holder, fresh from clinching his fourth John Letts Medal, is eager to channel his relentless energy into claiming the Listed W H Wylie Handicap at Morphettville this Saturday.

At 52 years of age, Holder continues to excel at the pinnacle of the riding ranks in South Australia, having recently secured the state’s prestigious stewards-voted award for jockeys for the fourth time, in addition to the metropolitan premiership for the season just concluded.

“I’m very grateful that I’ve been on the right horses and my body is staying well,” Holder commented. “To get acknowledged is amazing and I take pride in my work.”

Trainer Andrew Gluyas plans to saddle three runners in the 1100m Adelaide feature, but Holder has his sights locked on one specific horse, ensuring he will be reunited with Watchme Win.

The jockey-horse combination triumphed in this race last year, with the lead-up to the 2026 edition showing a strong resemblance to the previous year’s campaign.

“He’s a beautiful horse and I love him,” Holder stated. “I was asked which one I wanted to ride and it was a ‘no brainer’ for me. He only got beaten a length-and-a-half in the Goodwood and he should nearly jump favourite for mine as he’d be very hard to beat.”

The six-year-old gelding finished fourth in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in July 2025 before a spell and a subsequent return for the Wylie Handicap.

His form included a sixth placing in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) behind Cosmic Crusader on July 25, followed by a convincing jump out win at Morphettville over 800m on August 18.

“Every experience he has had away, he has come back a better horse,” Holder added. “I ride him in most of his trackwork and every time he goes out he puts in 110%. His trial was very good and he’s come back very well and that brought him on quickly so Andrew had to back off him a bit. I’m happy with the way he was going.”

Watchme Win is currently considered a $6.50 chance for the Wylie Handicap, with stablemate Bassett Babe at $5 and Omaha Dawn at $23.

Find the best betting markets for the Wylie Handicap at betting sites.