James Haskell dating mum-of-two after Chloe Madeley break-up as pair ‘bond over marriage splits’

James Haskell has seemingly started dating mother-of-two Helen Barclay, with the romance coming as the rugby star’s first since his very public split from Chloe Madeley, reports suggest.

The 39-year-old former rugby union player’s new romantic interest bears a striking resemblance to Madeley, 37, who was married to the sportsman for five years before they split in October 2023.

It’s been reported Haskell has been dating the 34-year-old, a director at advertising giants WPP, for just over a year.

The mother-of-two has been spotted with Haskell more frequently of late, with MailOnline reporting the two have been enjoying plenty of dates and spending time at each other’s houses.

The pair were also snapped at a romantic dinner in Knightsbridge restaurant Clap, with Haskell also making a habit of leaving flity comments on Barclay’s Instagram posts.

An insider told the publication the duo had grown close as they bonded over their marriage splits, with Barclay having recently separated from her ex-husband of two years.

“James and Helen have kept their relationship relatively low-key, enjoying dates at coffee shops and restaurants, and going for walks since the latter end of 2023,” a source commented.

“But recently they’ve started to see more of each other and they’re enjoying each other’s company.

“They haven’t said they’re exclusive yet but they’re certainly dating,” they added to MailOnline, concluding: “They have a lot in common, especially both coming out of marriage splits.

“It’s fair to say they’ve helped each other in what has been a tough period of their lives.”

GB News contacted Haskell’s representatives for a comment.

It’s understood the two met after being introduced to each other by a mutual friend, who noted they had both faced similar breakdowns in their marriages.

The budding couple were first snapped together last march during a date at Chiltern Firehouse, with Barclay’s identity having not been exposed at the time.

The insider went on to tell the publication: “The relationship is still in its early stages but both James and Helen are unsure where it will end up.”

They also noted Haskell’s work schedule and Barclay’s two children make it hard for the two to spend as much time together a they would like.

During their Saturday night date at the lavish Knightsbridge restaurant, the pair tucked into some sushi and sipped on cocktails during their two-hour visit.

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One on-looker described them as having “spent the whole time looking into each other’s eyes,” MailOnline reports.

Meanwhile, Madeley, who shares two-year-old Bodhi with Haskell, commented recently that she was aware her ex had been “having fun” seeing other people, but made clear she still shares a positive relationship with the rugby player.

After whirling speculation about their relationship being on the rocks, the former couple announced their split towards the end of 2023.