Home Entertainment James Haskell was first seen in public with mother-of-two Helen Barclay 10 months ago – as former rugby player’s new romance with the glamorous advertising executive is confirmed

James Haskell was first seen in public with mother-of-two Helen Barclay 10 months ago – as former rugby player’s new romance with the glamorous advertising executive is confirmed

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London nightspot Chiltern Firehouse served as the backdrop when James Haskell made his first public appearance with his new love interest Helen Barclay in March 2024 (pictured at the time).

London nightspot Chiltern Firehouse served as the backdrop when James Haskell made his first public appearance with his new love interest Helen Barclay.

The former rugby player, newly single after a recent split from wife Chloe Madeley, appeared to be in high spirits as he left the Marylebone restaurant with his attractive partner 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 took a seat in the back.

The retired athlete’s separation 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 dating 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 and the couple are enjoying of an increasing number of dates and spending time at each other’s houses.

They were pictured at a romantic dinner at Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge on Saturday night and James has been commenting on Helen’s photos on Instagram, labeling her as “fit” as their online flirtation accelerates.

London nightspot Chiltern Firehouse served as the backdrop when James Haskell made his first public appearance with his new love interest Helen Barclay in March 2024 (pictured at the time).

Barclay (pictured), is his first romance since his marriage split with Chloe Madeley, MailOnline can reveal.

Barclay (pictured), is his first romance since his marriage split with Chloe Madeley, MailOnline can reveal.

A source claims the couple became closer after bonding over their respective marriage breakups, as mother-of-two Helen recently split from her husband of two years after being together for more than a decade.

The source said: ‘James and Helen have kept their relationship relatively low-key, enjoying dates in cafes and restaurants and going for walks since late 2023.

‘But recently they have started seeing each other more and enjoy each other’s company. They haven’t said they’re exclusive yet, but they’re certainly coming out.

‘They have a lot in common, especially both coming from marital breakdowns. It’s fair to say that they have helped each other through what has been a difficult period of their lives.

MailOnline has approached James’ representatives for comment.

James and Helen, a divorced mother of two and a senior director at advertising giants WPP, are believed to have been introduced through a mutual friend who appreciated that they had both experienced a similar relationship.

They were pictured together last March after enjoying a date at Chiltern Firehouse, but Helen’s identity was not revealed at the time.

The source added: “The relationship is still in its early stages but both James and Helen are unsure where it will end.”

They were pictured at a romantic dinner at Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge on Saturday night and James has been commenting on Helen's photos on Instagram, tagging her

They were pictured at a romantic dinner at Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge on Saturday night and James has been commenting on Helen’s photos on Instagram, labeling her “fit”.

James' ex-wife Chloe, the mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi, revealed last month that she knows the former Wasps winger has been

James’ ex-wife Chloe, mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi, revealed last month that she knows the former Wasps flanker has been “having fun” seeing other people.

“James’ job and his love of DJing mean nothing is easy, and Helen has two kids, so it’s harder to just put down the tools and visit him abroad when he’s playing some cool nightclub in the foreign.

“But they don’t push and they just have fun together.” They are exactly what you both need right now.

The couple were spotted on Saturday night at exclusive sushi restaurant in Knightsbridge Clap, located around the corner from Harrods, which offers ribeye steaks for £98, a scallop starter and foie gras for £52.50 and cocktails for £19, and is a celebrity favourite. and footballers like Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.

The couple ate sushi and drank cocktails while chatting for more than two hours.

Mother-of-two Helen recently separated from her husband of two years and they have been together for over a decade.

Mother-of-two Helen recently separated from her husband of two years and they have been together for over a decade.

Helen (centre) poses with two friends for an undated Instagram photo during a beach holiday abroad.

Helen (centre) poses with two friends for an undated Instagram photo during a beach holiday abroad.

James and Helen, a divorced mother of two and a senior director at advertising giant WPP, are believed to have been introduced through a mutual friend.

James and Helen, a divorced mother of two and a senior director at advertising giant WPP, are believed to have been introduced through a mutual friend.

One onlooker said: “They didn’t seem to notice anyone else in the restaurant and spent the entire time looking into each other’s eyes.” They were laughing, joking and holding hands.

‘When they finished eating, they took a table in the corner and kissed and hugged, and it was clear that they are very close. It was like they were on a first date.

James’ ex-wife Chloe, 37, mother of his two-year-old daughter Bodhi, revealed last month that she knows the former Wasps flanker has been “having fun” seeing other people, but maintained the couple You still have a healthy relationship as you continue to co-parent.

They announced their separation in October 2023 after several months of speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.

James and Chloe, who married in 2018 and share two-year-old daughter Bodhi, confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October last year.

James and Chloe, who married in 2018 and share two-year-old daughter Bodhi, confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October last year.

Helen is seen leaving the Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge after dinner with James on Saturday night.

Helen is seen leaving the Clap restaurant in Knightsbridge after dinner with James on Saturday night.

1736787716 932 James Haskell was first seen in public with mother of two Helen

“The relationship is still in its early stages but both James and Helen are unsure 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 split, the cracks in their relationship were evident, especially clashes over James’ new lifestyle, which involved DJing. abroad and partying with glamorous women, while his wife took care of most of the parenting duties at home.

Speaking to The Sun last month, Chloe, daughter of veteran TV couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, admitted the latter stages of their marriage were “horrible”, “dark” and “painful”.

Chloe said: ‘When you tell people you’re getting divorced, everyone sees it as a very negative thing.

‘They say, “This is going to be very difficult for you.” And yes, it is, but the hardest thing was when we were married.

‘The last year of marriage was horrible. It was very dark, painful and one of the worst periods of my life. It’s good that we finished it. It was incredibly scary. I’m surprised I got through it the way I did.

‘I think more people should see it as a positive thing. “I am very proud of myself and very relieved to be done for the day.”

The marketing executive shows off her abs in a selfie. It is understood she met James last year.

The marketing executive shows off her abs in a selfie. It is understood 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.

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 split, the couple still lived together in their north London home and were often seen together with Bodhi as they tried to be as friendly as possible with their little girl.

Even though some fans thought the two had gotten back together because of this, Chloe confirmed that they had both moved on, adding that she hopes 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 happened already.”

“I’m waiting for the conversation to happen at some point.”

Tensions were high before the couple split, with Haskell even claiming that Chloe treats him “like a dog” and compared their relationship to “World War III.”

On an episode of his reality show before their breakup was announced, James complained: “She shushes me like I’m a dog or a baby.” I say, “Shut me up again and that’s the last thing you’ll do.”

Chloe went on to explain: “The difficulty in my relationship with James comes from the fact that we both think we’re in charge.”

Chloe has now started dating again, but

Chloe has now started dating again but “nothing feels right” yet as she admitted James has been seeing other people and “having fun”.

Confirming the end of their marriage in a statement in October 2023, the couple said: ‘Chloe and I have mutually decided to separate at the end of September 2023.

“We had not planned to make a statement at this time – certainly not while the TV show was airing – but, unfortunately, constant speculation about our marriage has forced us to do so.”

He added: “Beyond this statement, we will not be speaking publicly about this matter and would request privacy at this time.”

‘Our only focus now is our beautiful daughter. “We will continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”

Sharing his own statement on Instagram, James said: “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 not comment further.”

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