Why Ricky Hatton's funeral procession was led by legendary Only Fools and Horses car

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Greater Manchester this morning (10 October) to pay their respects to British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

The former world champion's funeral procession began in his hometown of Gee Cross, Hyde, led by a rather unusual vehicle that Only Fools and Horses fans will recognise in an instant.

Leading the way was the famous yellow Reliant Robin three wheel car, owned by the Trotters in the sitcom, which just happened to be one of Hatton's most-prized possessions.

As an Only Fools super fan, the Mancunian boxer purchased one of the real cars used in the series, spending £44,000 on the vehicle in 2007, which he was regularly seen driving around his local area of Tameside.

"I asked a fellow who runs a website selling this kind of stuff to let me know if any of the eight three-wheelers they used in the show came up for sale and just recently he gave me a call," he told the Manchester Evening News back in 2013.

"They delivered it to me, and the night before it came I was so excited I couldn't sleep. I got it MOT'd and insured, and now I just drive round in it. The BMW stays on the driveway."

The same year, Hatton was spotted driving around Hyde dressed in Del Boy's flat cap and brown sheepskin coat, demonstrating his love for the show once more.

In 2017, the boxer known as Hitman Hatton, took to X to share a video of himself leaving the gym he owns, before getting in the car to go home, but there's a twist.

"Tough day in the gym with the lads, off home now to put me feet up," he tells the camera, before appearing to get into a black and silver Rolls Royce. However, when the camera zooms out, he drives away in the iconic three-wheeler.

Hatton even shared the video alongside Delboy's famous catchphrase, 'What a plonker!'

Back in 2017, he appeared on ESPN taking Steve Bunce for a ride in the 1967 Reliant Regal Supervan II, and struggled to keep the vehicle going as he told the sports pundit all about his love for the show.

The beloved van played an important role in the funeral processions for the late boxer, who passed away at his home on 14 September, at the age of 46.

Many celebrities are in attendance at the funeral, including Tyson Fury who issued an emotional tribute on Instagram.