Former England rugby international James Haskell is reportedly in talks to join the cast of the popular reality series Celebs Go Dating. This potential move comes two years after his separation from wife Chloe Madeley, with the couple's divorce finalised at the end of 2023.
From Rugby Pitch to Dating Show?
According to insiders speaking to The Sun, producers for the E4 and Channel 4 show have made a play for the 40-year-old star. James Haskell has been largely single since his marriage ended, barring a brief, publicised relationship with Big Brother's Sara McLean that lasted just two days. A source revealed his friends are keen for him to get back into the dating scene, and show bosses believe his profile and sense of humour would make him a perfect contestant.
The athlete and DJ married fitness influencer Chloe Madeley, daughter of TV presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, in 2018. The pair welcomed their daughter, Bodhi, now three, in 2022 before separating later that year. Their five-year marriage ultimately ended in what Chloe has since described as a 'very volatile' divorce process.
Navigating a Public Split and Co-Parenting
Both Haskell and Madeley have spoken candidly about the challenges of their split, emphasising their commitment to co-parenting their young daughter. Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Haskell praised Chloe as an "amazing mum" and a "smart, talented" woman. He stressed that their priority is Bodhi, admitting that while co-parenting has its good and bad days, they work at it constructively.
He also warned about the curated nature of social media during difficult times, noting, "You never post about the bad stuff." Chloe echoed the sentiment of a difficult separation, telling The Sun the last two years have been "f*****g long enough." She described the divorce as emotionally charged, with periods of getting along well interspersed with weeks of frustration and silence.
A New Chapter for Both
Despite the turmoil, Chloe confirmed their relationship has improved since the split, and they now co-parent effectively, even spending time together as a family. She ruled out any chance of reconciliation, however, stating their marriage had become "dark, sad and painful." Receiving the final divorce decree on December 30 left her feeling a sense of failure, viewing the new year as a time for grieving rather than a fresh start.
For James Haskell, the potential appearance on Celebs Go Dating signals a readiness to move on. While no contract has been signed, reports suggest he is considering the opportunity to find love in the public eye once more, turning a new page after a highly public and challenging chapter of his personal life.
