James Haskell has hinted that his marriage to Chloe Madeley started to struggle after they had a child. The former rugby player opened up about the split, which occurred shortly after filming the ITV documentary Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair. The show focused on the couple's challenges as new parents, but Haskell criticised ITV for portraying him as the 'villain'.
In a conversation on the podcast Spooning with Mark Wogan, Haskell discussed co-parenting their son, Bodhi, with Madeley. He spoke highly of her, calling her an incredibly talented woman who had made him a better person. He explained that their separation was ultimately about ensuring their daughter had the best possible life.
Haskell reflected on how having a child shifts priorities, noting that personal desires take a backseat once you become a parent. He also mentioned how relationships evolve over time, with careers, life circumstances, and people changing, and that marriage can sometimes feel restrictive. Host Mark Wogan highlighted that many people shy away from discussing how having a child significantly changes a relationship.
Haskell said: 'That puts an enormous strain on any relationship. We were very considered actually because we always looked at ourselves and were like, look, if you're lucky enough to have children, and you should never take that for granted, but there's a better time to have it. When you're financially stable, sensible, a relationship you're working on. We want to make sure that our daughter has the best possible life.'
This comes after it was revealed earlier this month that Haskell is reportedly dating advertising executive Helen Barclay, 34. The pair are said to have become more serious in recent months after first connecting over a year ago. Haskell has been spotted on romantic dates and commenting on Barclay's Instagram photos.
