James Haskell and Chloe Madeley Navigate Post-Divorce Friendship Amid Family Tensions

Key facts

• James Haskell and Chloe Madeley announced their separation in October 2023 after five years of marriage.
• The couple co-parent their four-year-old daughter Bodhi.
• Haskell is participating in E4's Celebs Go Dating, which began airing in January 2024.
• Haskell's mother Susie criticized Madeley on the show, saying 'you can't have two stars' in a relationship.
• Madeley described the last year of marriage as 'awful' and 'one of the worst periods of my life'.
• Haskell attributed the breakup partly to his drinking, saying he should have 'put more time into my marriage than I did Guinness'.
• Madeley encouraged Haskell to appear on Celebs Go Dating despite his initial hesitation.
• Haskell and Madeley released a joint statement in October 2023 saying they would not reveal the reason for the split.

A New Chapter of Friendship

James Haskell has publicly described his ex-wife Chloe Madeley as 'a good friend,' signaling a shift in their relationship after a tumultuous divorce. In a recent interview, the former England rugby union player emphasized their transparency and mutual support, stating, 'We’re very transparent with each other. I feel lucky to have that kind of trust and support – it makes everything feel collaborative, and it’s a relationship I truly value.' Haskell and Madeley, who married in 2018 and separated in 2023, have a four-year-old daughter named Bodhi. Haskell credited Madeley with encouraging him to appear on the E4 reality show Celebs Go Dating, despite his own reservations. Their joint statement at the time of the split stressed that Bodhi would remain their 'sole focus' and that they would co-parent 'with nothing but love.'

The Dark End of a Marriage

Madeley has been candid about the pain leading up to the divorce, describing the final year of their marriage as 'awful' and 'one of the worst periods of my life.' In an interview with The Sun, she said, 'It was so dark, painful, and one of the worst periods of my life. It’s a good thing we ended it. It was so incredibly scary. I’m amazed I got through it in the way that I did.' She expressed relief at having initiated the separation, adding, 'I’m so proud of myself and so relieved that I actually called it a day.' Madeley has deliberately avoided detailing the cause of the divorce to protect Bodhi from the 'dark and painful experiences' she endured. Haskell, meanwhile, has acknowledged that his drinking habits contributed to the breakdown, saying, 'If I put more time into my marriage than I did Guinness, then I wouldn’t be divorced now.'

Family Friction on Reality TV

Tensions within Haskell's family surfaced publicly during the premiere of Celebs Go Dating, where his mother Susie made pointed remarks about his ex-wife. Speaking at a dinner party on the show, Susie said, 'I’m not sure where he’s gone wrong because prior to his marriage, I met lots of lovely girlfriends. Each of them just loved me, which is a bonus. I do have a strong opinion on why I think it went wrong. You can’t have two stars because you have them competing for the floor space the whole time.' Haskell had anticipated his mother's outspokenness, admitting before the episode, 'Mum is an absolute loose cannon at the best of times. I am dreading what’s going to come out of her mouth. As long as she does not upset my ex.' Susie also highlighted Haskell's accomplishments, noting he has written seven books, three of which made The Times best-seller list, and emphasized his need for a partner who sees 'the softness of him, coupled with quite a brilliant intellect.'

Co-Parenting as a Priority

Despite the acrimony of the past, both Haskell and Madeley have consistently emphasized their commitment to co-parenting Bodhi. Haskell stated, 'What we all forget is when you have children and a marriage finishes, it’s all about the kids. Chloe and I are amazing co-parents. Our priority is always Bodhi.' Madeley echoed this sentiment, explaining that she chose not to disclose the reasons for the split to shield their daughter. The couple's joint statement in October 2023, which came shortly after they appeared on the ITV reality show Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair, affirmed that they would not reveal the cause of the separation. Haskell's recent comments suggest that their relationship has evolved into a cooperative friendship built on trust and shared responsibility for their child.

Public Scrutiny and Personal Growth

Both figures have navigated intense public interest in their private lives. Madeley, the daughter of TV personalities Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, has spoken about the societal pressure to view divorce negatively, saying, 'When you tell people that you are divorcing, everyone sees it as such a negative thing. They say: “This is going to be so hard for you.” And, yes, it is, but the hardest bit was when we were married.' Haskell, 41, is now moving forward with his dating life on national television, while maintaining that his bond with Madeley remains strong. He described their dynamic as 'teamwork' and expressed gratitude for their ability to collaborate. The former rugby player's appearance on Celebs Go Dating marks a deliberate step into the public eye, with Madeley's encouragement serving as a backdrop to his journey.

What Lies Ahead

As Haskell continues his stint on Celebs Go Dating, the public will likely watch how his family dynamics unfold on screen. His mother's comments have already sparked discussion about the role of extended family in high-profile divorces. Meanwhile, Madeley has found a sense of closure, describing the end of her marriage as a positive turning point. For now, both parents remain focused on Bodhi, with Haskell reiterating, 'It’s all about the kids.' The couple's ability to maintain a friendship after such a painful split offers a model of co-parenting that prioritizes the child's well-being over personal grievances. Whether Haskell finds a new partner on the show remains to be seen, but his ex-wife’s support suggests that their bond, though transformed, endures.

The bottom line

• James Haskell and Chloe Madeley have transitioned from a 'dark' divorce to a cooperative friendship centered on co-parenting their daughter Bodhi.
• Madeley described the final year of marriage as 'awful' and 'one of the worst periods of my life,' but expressed relief at ending it.
• Haskell attributed the breakup partly to his drinking, saying he prioritized Guinness over his marriage.
• Haskell's mother Susie criticized Madeley on Celebs Go Dating, saying 'you can't have two stars' in a relationship.
• Both Haskell and Madeley have chosen not to disclose the specific reasons for their split to protect their daughter.
• Haskell is currently appearing on E4's Celebs Go Dating, with Madeley's encouragement.