03 November 2023 , 10:43
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James Haskell said he's ready for a court battle with Chloe Madeley after the pair announced their marriage was over last month.
The former England rugby star turned DJ, 38, and personal trainer Chloe, 36 – the daughter of telly favourites Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – announced their break up last weekend after five years of marriage. They also share 13-month-old daughter Bodhi.
Both have been seen without their wedding rings in recent weeks, prompting speculation all was not well behind the scenes. Despite their marriage woes, the pair continued to promote their new ITVX reality show Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair.
But things finally came to a head a week ago and the pair revealed they had indeed separated in a joint statement posted on both their social media profiles. It comes after James was seen cosying up to a mystery blonde, while Chloe has also been spotted enjoying girls’ nights out now she is newly single.
James and Chloe announced their split last weekend after five years of marriage (Getty Images)James has since addressed the split in his The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast – calling it a “kerfuffle”. But insisted although they have gone their separate ways, he and Chloe are “100 per cent committed” to daughter Bodhi.
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He told a live audience recording of the show: “So for those of you who don’t know, my missus and I are separated. We’re separated but we’re 100 per cent committed to my daughter. It’s obviously a complicated time and we have to play it out in front of the media. Because I haven’t said anything, people fill that void and fill that silence. And obviously last week, in the sort of three or four weeks, there’s been lots of conjecture.”
Seeming at ease with his newly single status, he went on to make jokes about meeting other women and listed his credentials for potential new lovers. “Good references, educated, public school, don’t worry. Quadruple threat. I’m gonna need it now I’m single.” He added: “I’m joking. Not really though.”
Perhaps hinting what is still to play out in his split with Chloe, James said he needed a lawyer mate for “business” as he had “some court battles to come”. And he revealed it was his ex-England coach Eddie Jones who was the first to reach out following the break up. He said: “Bizarrely after this current situation - let’s call it a kerfuffle – he was one of the first people to message me. Just like, ‘How are you mate, just checking in, are you ok?’
Announcing the news last week, James said: "It's with a lot of sadness I write this post, but unfortunately, in the world we live in, it has to be done. My priority is my daughter’s and Chloe’s happiness and security."
Chloe also released a statement at the same time which read: "James and I mutually decided separate at the end of September, 2023. We had not planned on releasing a statement at this time - certainly not while the television show was airing - but constant speculation about our marriage has, unfortunately, forced our hand. Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love."