London’s Chiltern Firehouse nightclub was the backdrop as James Haskell made his first public appearance with new love interest Helen Barclay.
The former rugby player, recently single following a recent split from wife Chloe Madeley, appeared in good spirits as he left the Marylebone restaurant with his attractive female companion last March.
There was no suggestion of romance at the time, with James, 39, climbing into the front seat of a waiting taxi while she sat in a seat in the back.
The retired sportsman’s divorce from Chloe – his wife of five years and mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi – had been confirmed five months earlier in October 2023.
MailOnline has since confirmed that James has been seeing the stunning 34-year-old – who bears a striking resemblance to Chloe – for just over a year, but the relationship has become more serious in recent months as the pair enjoy an increasing number of dates and spending time at each other’s house.
They were photographed enjoying a romantic meal at Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge on Saturday evening and James has commented on Helen’s Instagram photos, calling her ‘fit’ as their online flirting goes into high gear.
London’s Chiltern Firehouse nightclub provided the backdrop when James Haskell made his first public appearance with new love interest Helen Barclay (pictured at the time) in March 2024.
Barclay (pictured) is his first romance since splitting from Chloe Madeley, MailOnline can reveal
An insider claims the pair became close after bonding following their respective marital breakdowns as mother-of-two Helen recently split from her husband of more than a decade.
The source said: ‘James and Helen have kept their relationship relatively low-key, enjoying dates in coffee shops and restaurants and going for walks since late 2023.
‘But lately they’ve been seeing each other more and more and enjoying each other’s company. They haven’t said they are exclusive yet, but they are definitely dating.
‘They have a lot in common, especially because they are both coming out of divorce. It’s safe to say they helped each other through a difficult time in their lives.”
MailOnline has contacted James’ representatives for comment.
It is believed that James and Helen, a divorced mother of two and a high-flying director at advertising giant WPP, were introduced through a mutual friend who appreciated that they had both experienced similar heartbreak.
They were pictured together last March after enjoying a date at Chiltern Firehouse, but Helen’s identity was not revealed at the time.
The insider added: ‘The relationship is still in its early stages, but both James and Helen aren’t sure where it will end up.
They were captured on Saturday night enjoying a romantic meal at Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge and James has commented on Helen’s Instagram photos, calling her ‘fit’.
James’s ex-wife Chloe, the mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi, revealed last month that she knows the former Wasps flanker ‘has fun’ seeing other people
‘James’ work and his love of DJing mean that nothing is taken for granted, and Helen has two children, so it’s harder to simply put down the gear and visit him abroad when he’s in a cool nightclub in the plays abroad.
‘But they don’t put any pressure on it and just have fun together. They are exactly what they both need right now.”
The couple were spotted on Saturday evening at the exclusive sushi restaurant in Knightsbridge Clap, located around the corner from Harrods, with ribeye steaks for £98, a Scallops & Foie Gras starter for £52.50 and cocktails for £19, and are a favorite with celebrities. and footballers like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
The couple enjoyed sushi and drank cocktails as they chatted for more than two hours.
Mother-of-two Helen recently separated from her husband of more than ten years
Helen (centre) poses with two friends for an undated Instagram photo during a beach holiday abroad
It is believed that James and Helen, a divorced mother of two and a high-flying director at advertising giant WPP, were introduced through a mutual friend.
An onlooker said: ‘They didn’t seem to notice anyone else in the restaurant and looked into each other’s eyes the whole time. They laughed, joked and held hands.
‘When they finished eating, they took a corner table and were kissing and hugging, and it was clear they were very close. It was like they were on a first date.”
James’ ex-wife Chloe, 37, the mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi, revealed last month that she knows the former Wasps flanker has had “fun” seeing other people, but claimed the pair are still have a healthy relationship because they continue to co-parent.
They announced their divorce in October 2023, after several months of speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.
James and Chloe, who married in 2018 and share daughter Bodhi, confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October last year
Helen is seen leaving Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge after dinner with James on Saturday evening
‘The relationship is still in its early stages but both James and Helen are not sure where it will end,’ a friend told MailOnline
During Chloe’s ITV reality show, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair, which aired around the same time they announced their divorce, cracks in their relationship were visible, especially clashes over James’ new lifestyle, which involved DJing abroad and partied with glamorous women, while his wife took care of most of the parental duties at home.
Speaking to The Sun last month, Chloe – the daughter of veteran TV couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – admitted the final stages of their marriage were ‘terrible’, ‘dark’ and ‘painful’.
Chloe said: ‘When you tell people you’re getting divorced, everyone sees it as something negative.
“They say, ‘This is going to be so hard for you.’ And yes, it is, but the hardest part was when we got married.
‘The last year of the marriage was terrible. It was so dark, painful and one of the worst times of my life. It’s a good thing we put an end to it. It was so incredibly scary. I’m surprised I got through it this way.
‘I think more people should see it as something positive. I’m so proud of myself and so relieved that I actually quit.”
The marketing manager shows off her abs in a selfie. It is believed she met James last year
They were pictured together last March after enjoying a date at Chiltern Firehouse, but Helen’s identity was not revealed at the time
After their divorce, the couple still lived together in their north London home and were often seen with Bodhi trying to be as kind as possible to their little girl.
Despite some fans thinking this meant the two were back together, Chloe confirmed they had both moved on, adding that she expects the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star to find a new partner before she does.
She said: ‘It will probably happen to James long before it happens to me, if it hasn’t already.
“I’m waiting for the conversation to happen at some point.”
Tensions were high before the couple split, with Haskell even claiming Chloe treated him “like a dog” and likening their relationship to “World War III”.
On an episode of their reality show before their breakup was announced, James moaned, “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 went on to explain: ‘The difficulty in me and James’ relationship comes from the fact that we both think we’re in charge.’
Chloe has now started dating again but ‘nothing feels right anymore’ for her – as she admitted James has been seeing other people and ‘having fun’
The couple confirmed the end of their marriage in a statement in October 2023, saying: ‘Chloe and I have mutually decided to separate at the end of September 2023.
“We had no intention of making a statement at this time – especially during the broadcast of the television show – but the ongoing speculation about our marriage has unfortunately forced us to do so.”
She added: ‘Other than this statement, we will not be speaking publicly about this matter and would request privacy at this time.
‘Our sole focus now is on our beautiful daughter. We will continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”
James shared his own statement on Instagram, saying: ‘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.”