Chloe Madeley has given a candid and emotional account of her divorce from former rugby star James Haskell, describing the process as "very volatile" and admitting the pair sometimes go for weeks without speaking.
The End of a Decade-Long Relationship
The personal trainer and daughter of TV presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan first met Haskell 11 years ago. The couple married in December 2018 and welcomed their daughter, Bodhi, in August 2022. However, by August 2023, after five years of marriage and a decade together, they had separated, with the news becoming public that October.
At the time, both issued statements focusing on their daughter. Chloe stated the separation was mutual, while James expressed his sadness and said his priority was the "happiness and security" of Chloe and their child.
Reasons Behind the Split and Emotional Fallout
Speaking on Olivia Attwood's podcast, So Wrong It's Right, Madeley cited clashing lifestyles as a major factor. She described herself as someone who needs "structure and routine," while Haskell "thrives in chaos." She highlighted his relentless schedule, which frequently took him out of the country, as something she "just can't do."
Haskell himself has previously acknowledged his drinking played a role in the marriage's breakdown, telling MailOnline, "If I put more time into my marriage than I did Guinness, then I wouldn't be divorced now."
The divorce was finalised in December 2025, but the emotional impact has been profound. Chloe told The Sun's Fabulous magazine that the process has been "incredibly emotional and volatile," with periods of getting on well followed by weeks of silence after disagreements.
She revealed the marriage became "incredibly dark and sad and painful," leading to a period of depression after the split for which she sought medical help. "I basically had to rebuild from the ground up with as much help as I could get," she admitted.
Life as Co-Parents and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, the ex-couple are committed to co-parenting their three-year-old daughter. Chloe has implemented a strict policy to avoid major rows, which she says was the reason she left the marriage.
While she says things are "fine now" and they mainly get on, she has ruled out any chance of reconciliation. "I'm so far past that. I never want to be in a relationship with him again," she stated firmly.
Embracing her new life, Chloe added, "I just love being single. I love not being committed to anyone. I’ve got my daughter, I’ve got my social life... But would I seriously date any of them? Absolutely not!"
Two years on from their separation, Chloe Madeley's journey highlights the complex reality of navigating divorce and co-parenting in the public eye, a process she summarises as having been "f*****g long enough."
