Chloe Madeley has finally lifted the lid on her ‘dark and toxic’ split from former rugby star James Haskell — revealing that the final year of their marriage was emotionally devastating and left her relieved when it ended.
The 38-year-old influencer, who co-parents three-year-old daughter Bodhi with Haskell, 40, spoke candidly about the pain of their separation and the agony of seeing her ex out with other women while she was still navigating heartbreak behind closed doors.
“They say divorce is hard,” she admitted. “But the hardest part was staying. The last year was awful — so dark, painful, and one of the worst periods of my life. Ending it was the right decision. I’m proud I finally did.”
Chloe revealed she worked tirelessly to protect her daughter and shield her parents — Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan — from the full extent of the turmoil, despite normally being open with them about everything.
She praised her famous parents, calling them her “emotional cheerleaders,” and said they supported her even though they held a traditional view of marriage. Her father described the split as a “very happy uncoupling.”
![She said: 'They say: "[Divorce] is going to be so hard for you". And, yes, it is, but the hardest bit was when we were married. The last year of the marriage was awful'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/12/15/15/104741505-15385009-image-a-33_1765812093463.jpg)
Chloe shared her journey on the No Parental Guidance podcast, where she discussed co-parenting with James and their commitment to staying respectful and mature for the sake of Bodhi. While James has returned to dating, Chloe says there is currently no one special in her life, though she admits she would like to find love again.
Just weeks earlier, James spoke on This Morning about the reality of co-parenting, acknowledging that the most difficult parts of the split are rarely visible on social media. He praised Chloe as “an amazing mum, talented and smart,” adding that when couples separate, the child must always come before ego.
James reflected on how public scrutiny can shape perceptions of their split, and said many men reach out to him seeking advice on navigating divorce and fatherhood in the public eye. He emphasised the importance of honesty — noting that social media often shows only the polished version of family life.
Chloe concluded that despite the pain, she and James are aligned in prioritising their daughter’s wellbeing and maintaining a functional co-parenting dynamic.
She believes ending the marriage was not a failure — but an act of strength.
