Chloe Madeley, a 37-year-old fitness enthusiast and daughter of television personalities Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, recently shared a revealing photo of herself on social media, sparking conversations about her fitness regime and her personal life. The image, featuring Madeley in workout attire, was posted in response to a fan’s inquiry about her glute-focused exercises. While acknowledging her genetic predisposition against prominent glutes, Madeley detailed her workout routine, which includes a variety of lower body exercises like deadlifts, squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts (RDL), and hip thrusts. The timing of this post is significant given the recent news surrounding her estranged husband, former rugby union player James Haskell.
The photograph and its surrounding context have garnered attention, not simply for its provocative nature, but also due to the timing coinciding with reports of Haskell’s new relationship. Just weeks prior to Madeley’s post, news broke of Haskell’s alleged romance with 34-year-old Helen Barclay, a mother of two also navigating the aftermath of a marriage. Sources suggest that Haskell and Barclay have been discreetly dating for over a year, frequenting coffee shops, restaurants, and enjoying walks together. While their relationship status remains officially undefined, their increasing public appearances together indicate a deepening connection. This development follows Haskell’s announcement in October 2023 of his separation from Madeley after five years of marriage.
The juxtaposition of Madeley’s confident self-portrait and the news of Haskell’s new relationship inevitably fuels speculation and adds another layer to the narrative of their separation. While social media posts offer only glimpses into personal lives, the timing of Madeley’s post suggests a possible response to the unfolding events, whether intentional or subconscious. The image can be interpreted as a declaration of self-confidence and a celebration of her physical form, potentially signaling a focus on self-care and moving forward after the end of her marriage.
Madeley’s public image is intertwined with her fitness journey and her openness about personal matters. She has candidly discussed her desire to expand her family, expressing her wish for more children. Currently a mother to two-year-old Bodhi, whom she shares with Haskell, Madeley has stated that while she is open to having more children, she would prefer to do so with a partner. This statement further emphasizes her current single status and her approach to future relationships and family planning. It indicates a thoughtful and measured approach to motherhood, prioritizing a supportive partnership in raising children.
Despite the very public nature of their separation, Madeley has maintained a respectful stance towards Haskell, particularly regarding their co-parenting relationship. She has publicly defended him against negative perceptions, emphasizing his contributions to their shared parenting responsibilities and expressing empathy for his situation. This approach speaks to a mature handling of their separation, prioritizing the well-being of their daughter, Bodhi, amidst the challenges of a broken marriage. Madeley’s willingness to acknowledge Haskell’s positive qualities in the face of public scrutiny demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a healthy co-parenting dynamic.
Madeley’s and Haskell’s relationship began in 2015, culminating in marriage in December 2018. However, their journey together took a turn in October 2023 with their announced separation. Madeley has offered insights into the reasons behind their split, citing an unbearable level of unhappiness and difficulty within their marriage. She has emphasized that the decision to separate, while challenging, was ultimately the right one for both of them, leading to significant improvements in their individual well-being. While the details of their marital struggles remain largely private, Madeley’s comments suggest a fundamental breakdown in their relationship that necessitated a separation for their individual and collective well-being.
