RUGBY ace James Haskell is taking a break from blissful married life to Chloe Madeley and heading on to I’m A Celebrity.
But what has the sport star been up to lately and what else do we know about his life?
- Follow our I’m A Celebrity live blog for all the latest gossip and updates from the launch show.
Who is James Haskell?
Born in Windsor, Berkshire, Haskell, 34, has been playing rugby since the tender age of five, according to his first club Maidenhead RFC.
He was part of the club’s successful youth set up before signing for Premiership side Wasps in 2002, when he would have been 17.
Despite showing promise – and representing England atU18, U19, U21 and Saxon levels – he narrowly missed out on the 2007 World Cup.
James has carved a reputation as an inspirational figure in the health and fitness industry with 238,000 Instagram followers.
The sports star has recently made the move into professional mixed martial arts and is currently signed to Bellator MMA, competing in the heavyweight division.
He also dabbles in a bit of DJing to boot.
What has James Haskell said about I’m A Celebrity?
The star shared his excitement for the new challenge in a video shared on ITV’s official I’m A Celeb site.
He explained: “Firstly, if I had any fears, I’m definitely not telling you lot. As far as you lot are concerned I love everything. I’m Doctor Doolittle.
“People think I’m all ‘lads, lads, lads’ 24 hours a day but I’m not like that at all. People think because you’re big, you’re going to be tough.
“There is that pressure because people look at you and assume you’ll be fine. I’m absolutely not.”
He continued: “I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve been on a few three day camping trips but they were not that successful. My experience with this stuff is limited. I’m not a wilderness man.
“You’ve got to be prepared that it is going to be a very unique experience. I will need a lot of hugging and some positivity to keep me going.”
Will James win I’m A Celeb?
At the moment, 72 per cent of allI’m A Celebritywagers to date with Ladbrokes have been placed onIan Wrightbeing crowned as King of the Jungle.
The football pundit leads the betting as the 5/2 front runner, and the bookies can reveal that over two thirds of all wagers are in Wrighty’s favour.
Roman Kemp is rated at 5/1, while James Haskell odds cut to 12/1.
Caitlyn Jenner is chalked up as an 8/1 shot with the firm, or 10/1 says Jacqueline Jossa wins.
When did James Haskell marry Chloe Madeley?
James and Chloegot hitched at Christmas 2018.
They met in 2014 when Haskell invited her to be the face of a female fitness supplement line, and started dating shortly after.
They announced theirengagementon April 8, 2018 – going public in aHello! Magazinephotoshoot.
Chloe revealed she was “speechless” after he got down on one knee in Paris. The only four people who knew were their parents.
James revealed he designed the ring himself because he wanted it to be “perfect and for her to love it”.
What did James Haskell achieve in his career?
Haskell, who announced his retirement in May 2019, has made 77 appearances for England, scoring 20 points.
The flanker, who can also play number eight, played a part in England’s Six Nations championship victories in 2011, 2016 and 2017.
He was also a squad member in its less successful 2015 World Cup, where they crashed out in the group stages.
Haskell was named as the “man of the series” during England’s 3-0 series victory over Australia in June 2016.
Does James Haskell have social media accounts?
James Haskell is pretty active on social media and he has no issue interacting with fans and friends alike.
He can be found on Instagram –here.
Or you can follow him on Twitter –here.
If you prefer Facebook, then you can follow his page –here.
