James Haskell, the former England rugby international known not only for his time on the pitch but also for his work as a DJ and podcaster, has been open about a period of significant personal upheaval. In the wake of his separation from television presenter Chloe Madeley and the passing of his father, Haskell has taken to social media to document a striking physical transformation, revealing how he has channelled his energy into fitness in the face of challenge and change.
The ex-rugby star, who represented England 77 times, recently sustained a serious shoulder injury, which he attributes to a misstep while recording content for his popular rugby podcast. Despite this setback, Haskell decided not to retreat but to double down on his fitness journey, working with respected personal trainers to pursue what he describes as the best physical condition of his life.
Taking to Instagram, Haskell explained how the partnership with trainers at ROAR Fitness provided both structure and support as he navigated the complexities of injury, work and fatherhood. “When Sarah at ROAR Fitness first suggested we collaborate, I jumped at the opportunity,” he shared. “Their reputation for transformation was well established, and I was ready for a challenge.”
The rehabilitation process, however, was anything but straightforward. Haskell detailed a demanding routine, confiding that he tore a bicep during the process and was forced to balance recovery with multiple professional engagements, including DJ gigs in Monaco, Wales and Exmouth, all while sticking to a strict nutrition plan and managing family life. “There were no short-cuts,” he noted, praising his trainers for their understanding of his limitations and persistence in helping him push through.
He also spoke candidly about how these efforts were intertwined with a difficult chapter in his personal life. Haskell and Chloe Madeley ended their marriage in 2023 after five years together. Haskell has recently spoken publicly about the breakdown of their relationship, acknowledging his own role in their split and describing alcohol as a significant factor.
In a frank interview at a London food and music festival, the former flanker told MailOnline: “If I’d devoted as much time to my marriage as I did to Guinness, I wouldn’t be divorced now.” Despite the end of their relationship, Haskell expressed continued fondness for both his ex-wife and their young daughter, Bodhi, stressing the importance of cooperative parenting. “Some things don’t work out, but there’s so much love for both Chloe and Bodhi. We’re committed to teamwork.”
Chloe Madeley, for her part, has maintained that she wishes to protect their daughter from some of the more distressing elements of their separation. In a separate interview, she recalled how the final year of marriage had been extremely difficult, describing it as “so dark, painful, and one of the worst periods of my life.” Nonetheless, she emphasised that the decision to part ways was ultimately for the better, for the sake of their own wellbeing and the stability of their daughter.
Both parties continue to present a united front when it comes to co-parenting, with Chloe stating that while there is often a perception of divorce as wholly negative, sometimes it marks the end of suffering and the beginning of a healthier arrangement for all involved.
Haskell’s transformation, both physical and personal, has struck a chord with his followers, many of whom have responded with messages of support and encouragement. The sportsman-turned-presenter is already looking ahead to new challenges, promising further updates for those interested in his journey.
The story of James Haskell and Chloe Madeley is one that reflects the complex nature of relationships, the challenges of personal growth, and the power of resilience in the face of change. Their openness in discussing the reality behind public breakups is a reminder that, despite fame, the struggles of family and self-reinvention are a universal experience.