Former England rugby international James Haskell has spoken candidly about the real reason behind his separation from television personality Chloe Madeley, highlighting his struggle with alcohol as a key factor. The couple, who wed in 2018, confirmed their split in 2023 after what both have since described as a particularly “dark” chapter in their lives.
The pair’s decision to end their marriage, after five years together and with a young daughter in tow, was first announced through a joint statement last October. Venture into Haskell’s most recent comments, and the frank admission regarding his own drinking offers a more personal perspective on the factors that contributed to the marriage’s demise. “If I’d put as much time into my marriage as I did Guinness, I wouldn’t be divorced now,” Haskell reflected while attending the Pub in the Park festival in west London.
Throughout the unfolding of their separation, both Haskell and Madeley initially kept the deeper reasons for their split private. Madeley, daughter of well-known TV presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, later referred to the period leading up to the separation as “incredibly scary” and “one of the worst periods of my life”. She reiterated the significance of protecting their daughter, Bodhi, from the shadows cast by those challenging days.
Haskell, meanwhile, was clear about where his priorities now lie, explaining, “When you have children and a marriage comes to an end, it’s all about the kids.” Emphasising their effective co-parenting arrangement, he stated, “Chloe and I are amazing co-parents. Our priority is always Bodhi.” This approach reflects a trend among high-profile separations in the public eye, where the welfare of children is frequently foregrounded over acrimony.
In commentary provided to The Sun, Chloe Madeley described the stigma she felt upon disclosing her divorce, noting society’s expectations that such a development is inherently negative. “Everyone sees it as such a negative thing,” she said. “But for me, the hardest bit was while we were still married.” Madeley was open about the emotional difficulties she faced, stating, “The last year of the marriage was awful… so dark, painful, and one of the worst periods of my life. It’s a good thing we ended it.”
Outside of his personal relationship struggles, Haskell has recently faced further hardship with the passing of his father, Jonathan, after a long illness. Speaking on this personal loss, Haskell called his father “the cornerstone of our family” and recounted his father’s unwavering support throughout his life and career.
The couple’s initial announcement in 2023 coincided with the airing of “Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair”, an ITV show that further fuelled speculation about the state of their marriage. The statement at the time stressed their intention to keep other details private, while reiterating their shared dedication to their daughter’s wellbeing: “Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”
Earlier in 2023, Madeley also shared insights into financial pressures she faced, returning to her work as a personal trainer just eight weeks after giving birth. Despite her husband’s successful rugby career, the couple did not operate a joint account, which prompted Madeley’s quick return to earning her own income, driven both by necessity and a strong sense of pride.
Since the split, Haskell has confirmed he is single, having previously dated advertising executive Helen Barclay and reality television figure Sara McLean earlier this year, although he now insists his main concern is being “the best dad in the best order”. His separation from McLean, which occurred just two days after their relationship became public knowledge, underscores the continuing public interest in his personal life.
This candid admission from James Haskell marks a departure from the pair’s earlier silence, providing greater insight into the complexities that often lie behind high-profile break-ups. Both Haskell and Madeley remain determined to move forward, prioritising their daughter’s happiness and stability in the wake of their very public separation.