James Haskell has opened up about the moment he “surprised” Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan following his separation from their daughter, Chloe Madeley. The former rugby star and personal trainer confirmed the end of their marriage in 2023, having tied the knot in 2018. The couple chose to keep the reasons behind their split private.
Chloe described the months leading up to their separation as “incredibly scary,” while James candidly admitted that he might have saved their marriage had he devoted more effort, joking, “more time into my marriage than I did Guinness.”
On the No Parental Guidance podcast, James spoke about his relationship with Chloe’s renowned parents after the split. Emphasizing their continuing role, he assured that Richard and Judy remain “massively important grandparents” to their son, Bodhi.
READ MORE: Massive 30-Mile Diversion Imposed for Short Road Closure on Cirencester’s A417
READ MORE: Teacher Banned After Driving Nearly Four Times Over Alcohol Limit to Gloucestershire School
Having grown up watching Richard and Judy’s television career, James praised their talents, calling them “TV royalty,” and noted they were always welcoming to him. He acknowledged the differences between their worlds, saying, “They’re quite academic… not massive sports fans,” which may have contributed to some initial assumptions about him.
He reflected, “When someone like me comes knocking to take your daughter out, you might think he hasn’t got much to say. So, I think they were quietly surprised by how I was.”
After the separation, James made a point to speak with Richard and Judy, affirming the importance of their relationship for their grandchild. He said, “I told them, ‘You’re both massively important grandparents to Bodhi. You and I have always had a good relationship.’”
James continued, “Divorces and separations are emotional, difficult, and dark, but I told them I have no issues with them. I will never discuss the details of our breakdown because it’s not relevant to anyone.”
He added, “I will never speak badly of your daughter. I will always support you, visit you, and there will never be any beef on my side. My separation is not with you.”
In a previous interview at London’s Pub in the Park festival with MailOnline, James revealed more about the split, describing it as “one of those things in life where some things don’t work out.”
He expressed his ongoing affection for both Chloe and their daughter, saying, “I have so much love for my daughter and Chloe. It’s teamwork.”
James concluded, “What we all forget is, when you have children and a marriage ends, it’s all about the kids. Chloe and I are amazing co-parents. Our priority will always be Bodhi.”