Retired England rugby star James Haskell, 41, has revealed what his Celebs Go Dating experience was really like, ahead of the first episode airing on Monday night.
James revealed he got approval from his ex-wife, and mother to his three-year-old daughter Bodhi, Chloe Madeley, 38, to make sure that it was "the right thing to do" before signing up to the E4 dating show.
Recalling what he discovered about himself by taking part in the series, James said in a new interview: “I learnt a lot about what I want if I was to settle down or to date properly, and what my priorities are."
The athlete went on to sing Chloe's praises despite their 2023 divorce, confessing: "I was very lucky with Chloe to have someone who’s very intelligent, driven, generous, works very hard, a great mum and is funny."
He also hinted that some people he met on the show seemingly misjudged him, admitting that although he's a confident person, he can also be "a bit of a loner at times".
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Speaking to The Sun's TV Mag, James said that overall, his time on the series was "really good".
He elaborated: "It was a really fun experience and I actually learnt some stuff.
"It reconfirmed what I want in life and made me really appreciate what an amazing woman Chloe is and what my priorities are, which is her and Bodhi.”
James is taking part in the E4 show alongside Married At First Sight star Lucinda Light, Loose Woman Coleen Nolan, Love Islander Gabby Allen, rapper Professor Green, content creator PK Humble and Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts.
The show follows the single celebrities being set up on dates and receiving advice from therapist Anna Williamson, dating and relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, and sexual communication specialist Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn.
Chloe, daughter of TV legends Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, got married to James in 2018 after he popped the question in Paris, France.
However, five years into their marriage and after the birth of their daughter Bodhi, they announced their separation not long after their reality TV show At Home with the Madeleys aired.
Chloe previously confirmed to The Sun's Fabulous magazine: "Our life has very slowly fallen into place as co-parents and as ex-husband and wife."
She admitted that although the pair are "fine now", the divorce process was "incredibly emotional and volatile" for the two of them, with the pair sometimes "not speaking" after disagreements.
Celebs Go Dating begins on E4 from Monday May 4 at 9pm.
