James Haskell Provides Candid Update on Dating Life Following Divorce Finalisation
Former England rugby international James Haskell has offered a revealing insight into his personal life, sharing details about his dating experiences after his divorce from Chloe Madeley was officially concluded. The 40-year-old sports personality confirmed he has embarked on five dates since the legal separation was finalised in December 2025.
Background of the Haskell-Madeley Relationship
The athlete first began dating fitness expert Chloe Madeley, now 38, back in 2014. Their romance blossomed, leading to an engagement in Paris and subsequent marriage in 2018. The couple welcomed their daughter Bohdi, now three years old, during their union. However, their relationship faced challenges, culminating in separation shortly after their reality television programme At Home with the Madeleys was broadcast.
Chloe Madeley has previously characterised the divorce proceedings as "volatile", acknowledging periods where communication between the former partners ceased for weeks. In a candid interview with The Sun's Fabulous magazine, she reflected: "It's two years since we separated and it's been f*****g long enough. Our life has very slowly fallen into place as co-parents and as ex-husband and wife."
Haskell's New Television Venture and Dating Approach
Now, just over two months after the divorce was legally settled, James Haskell is preparing to appear on the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating. During a recent appearance on LNER's Routes podcast, the former rugby star disclosed his dating activities and motivations for joining the programme.
"It's not something I ever thought I would do but it kind of came around at the right time," Haskell explained regarding his participation. "I went on Celebs Go Dating not necessarily to find love but to showcase myself in a different light. I'm very much like Marmite, people either love me or hate me, but they have a very certain impression of me before they've met me."
The athlete emphasised his consideration for his former spouse throughout this process, stating: "I think being very aware that my daughter will be watching one day so being very respectful of my ex. I obviously talked to her about it and yeah, I've had five dates, they've all been lovely people but one I might date again."
Contrasting Perspectives on Romance
While Haskell explores new romantic possibilities, Chloe Madeley has expressed a markedly different outlook on dating. In September, the television personality took to Instagram to clarify her position, stating she "couldn't think of anything worse" than actively seeking a new relationship.
"To me, the word 'date' suggests that you're actively trying to find someone to settle down with," she elaborated. "So, in that regard, no, I don't date. But I'm not living in a self imposed convent either. I just don't have any intention of finding a boyfriend. I honestly cannot think of anything worse."
This stance echoes previous comments Madeley made during an April Q&A session, where she declared herself "very happily committed to being and staying single."
Haskell's Personal Reflections and Future Outlook
Despite his participation in the dating show, James Haskell described himself as fundamentally comfortable with solitude. He characterised himself as a "loner" who enjoys quiet mornings with audiobooks, reading, or simply sitting alone.
The former rugby player also reflected on the challenges of his previous marriage, acknowledging that despite efforts to maintain the relationship, it ultimately proved unsustainable. As both individuals navigate their post-divorce lives, they continue to prioritise their co-parenting responsibilities while pursuing distinctly different paths in their personal lives.
