James Haskell claims Chloe Madeley treats him ‘like a dog’ while she dubs their partnership World War III in candid chat about marital woes days before ending their five-year marriage
Chloe Madeley and James Haskell’s marital problems were put in the spotlight in scenes from their ITVX reality show.
The couple were filming the run-up to daughter Bodhi’s first birthday in August for Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair when they spoke candidly about the problems in their relationship.
Chloe, 36, and James, 38, have since divorced, with the couple confirming they decided to end their five-year marriage in September, just weeks after filming of their show wrapped.
Tensions flared in the fourth and final episode of their show when James claimed his wife treated him “like a dog.”
The pair were preparing to film their new couple’s podcast, with Chloe – the daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – left annoyed by her husband’s unpreparedness.
Speaking: Chloe Madeley and James Haskell’s marital problems were put in the spotlight in scenes from their ITVX reality show, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair
Unimpressed: Tensions flared in the fourth and final episode of their show when James claimed his wife treated him ‘like a dog’
She explained: “You’ve done what you love to do, you’ve said ‘here’s an idea that I really want to do and I think it’s going to be great’, now the day has arrived, you’ve done absolutely no preparation for It.
“I was in bed until 11:30 last night writing treatments for the show.”
She added to the camera: ‘Classic. James hasn’t prepared anything for the podcast, he insisted we do that, so obviously it’s all on me and I’m quite nervous about this right now.”
The personal trainer revealed she had to make a work visit before filming the podcast and continued to open Zoom as James continued to chat with her in the background.
She said to the camera: ‘When I’m trying to work and James is just talking, talking, talking – I’m like not right now – I have two methods – silence him and keep quieting him until he gets annoyed and then just ignore him .’
James snapped back, “You’re just going to invade my space while I’m eating breakfast. It’s a bit like your own podcast, a bit all over the place, a bit sloppy, not very interesting.”
As Chloe continued to shush him, it switched back to her talking to the camera as she explained, “If James is contributing something of value, I wouldn’t shut him down, but he’s making a joke about a work conversation that isn’t appropriate and he needs to talk it out!’
After storming out of the room, James began to moan, “She shushes me like I’m a dog or like I’m a baby.” I’m like, ‘Hold me still again and that’s the last thing you’ll ever do.’
Chloe further explained: ‘The difficulty in me and James’ relationship comes from the fact that we both think we are in charge.
‘The relationships I know are very calm and quiet, there is a dominant and a submissive.
“James and I are both dominant, so it’s definitely like World War III.”
Chloe explained: ‘The difficulty in me and James’ relationship comes from the fact that we both think we are in charge. James and I are both dominant, so it’s like World War III
Getting ready: While Chloe and James had their differences, they decided to put all the tension aside for a date night, heading for an evening of crazy golf and drinks
While Chloe and James had their differences, they decided to put all the tension aside for a date night, heading for an evening of crazy golf and drinks.
As she got ready, Chloe mused, “I know it’s a date, but it’s also an active, competitive date, so I’m not going to dress like usual, but like a girly girl.”
Which prompted James to scoff, “Why do you ever pretend to actually be dressed up? You are lying!
“You always sit there on a date and say, ‘Does it bother you that I don’t wear makeup and never dress up?’ It’s more the fact that you’re doing something and you’re worried about it!’
As Chloe said, “I feel bad because…” James interjected and said, “Not bad enough to ever change it!” as she continued, “In my head we’re leaving the house and I’m comfortable and I’m warm and that’s all I care about.
‘Then we get there and other girls, like girls from Love Island, come in and I think oh shit, poor James.'”
As James reasoned, “I never complain,” Chloe continued, “I dress a little slutty, but not girly.”
James then joked: “You always dress slutty when I’m not around, which is even worse.”
The latest episode of the reality series concluded with Bodhi’s first birthday party, which was attended by the couple’s parents.
The scenes were filmed a month before Chloe and James split, with the couple formally announcing their split with a joint statement last weekend.
The couple, who married in 2018, had fueled speculation about their relationship after the personal trainer emerged without her wedding ring while partying with friends – shortly after the former rugby player was pictured chatting to a mystery blonde outside a nightclub in London.
In a joint update shared on Instagram, they announced: “Chloe and I mutually decided to separate at the end of September 2023.
‘We had no intention of releasing a statement at the time – especially while the television show was airing – but the continued speculation about our marriage has unfortunately forced our hand.
“Other than this statement, we will not speak publicly about this matter and would like to request privacy at this time.
‘Our sole focus now is on our beautiful daughter. We will continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”
End: The final episode of the reality series concluded with Bodhi’s first birthday party, which was attended by the couple’s parents. The scenes were filmed a month before Chloe and James split (Chloe pictured with Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan)
James shared his own statement on Instagram, adding: ‘It is with great sadness that I write this post, but unfortunately in the world we live in it has to be done.
“My priority is the happiness and safety of my daughter and Chloe. For that reason I will make no further comment.”
A source told MailOnline: ‘James is still living at the family home in London, he returned on Monday and was still there yesterday morning.’
A friend of the couple added: “It’s all so strange, and it all seems quite rum that Chloe has done a round of interviews and spoken very openly about her life and marriage, but she neglected to say that she and James had broken up despite her. television program that is all about her family life.’