"Emotional and volatile" - Chole Madeley tells all about divorce from James Haskell

Rugby News
Tuesday, 06 January 2026 at 21:08
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Former England and Wasps back-row James Haskell’s ex-wife Chloe Madeley has spoken candidly about the emotional fallout from their split, describing the divorce as “very volatile” and deeply draining.
, Madeley said: *
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Haskell married television presenter Madeley after the pair began dating in 2014. He announced on Good Morning Britain in February 2022 that the couple were expecting a baby girl, with their daughter born in August that year. Just over a year later, in October 2023, they confirmed they were separating.
She admitted the process has been far from smooth, adding: “It’s fine now, but the divorce process has been incredibly emotional and volatile. We have weeks where everything’s fine and we get on really well.
“And then we have weeks where we don’t agree on something or someone gets frustrated or angry, and then we don’t speak.”
Madeley revealed she ultimately walked away from the marriage to avoid ongoing conflict, and said being told late last year that the divorce would finally be completed left her feeling as though she had “failed”.
She also described the separation as a “dark”, “sad” and “painful” chapter in her life, while making it clear there is no chance of reconciliation.

EDITORS PICKS:

Wealthiest Rugby Couples:

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Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.

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