Ricky Hatton’s sudden passing at 46 has left both the sporting and showbiz worlds reeling — and now his Dancing On Ice partner, Robin Johnstone, has spoken about the devastating last exchange she shared with him.
The boxing legend, found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, was a former world champion who held multiple titles in light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. While his Dancing On Ice journey with Robin in 2024 was short-lived — they were the first pair to be eliminated — their friendship endured long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Robin revealed: “We’d speak every couple of weeks. I think we WhatsApped just a week or two ago. He was in training mode, in such good form, and asking how we were doing. Out of all my partners on the show, Ricky was the one I stayed closest to.”
She added that Ricky had introduced her to his daughters, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, who had joined him on the Torvill and Dean tour. “We’ve met his girls quite a few times. He’d always check in with Andy [her husband] and me. He was a very thoughtful man.”
Tributes have flooded in since news of his death broke. Tyson Fury wrote: “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this — so young.” Frank Bruno admitted he was “absolutely devastated,” while Amir Khan penned a heartfelt message urging more open conversations about mental health.
“Sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind,” Amir wrote. “Mental health isn’t weakness — it’s part of being human. We must talk about it, reach out, and lean on each other.”
Police confirmed Hatton’s death was not being treated as suspicious. He is survived by his three children, including his eldest son Campbell, 24.
Ricky’s last text to Robin now serves as a haunting reminder of a fighter who, even in his private struggles, made time to check on others.
