CHLOE Madeley and James Haskell spent hours in couples therapy before they decided to end their marriage.
The couple, who had been married for five years, announced over the weekend that they were separating.
The daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, 36, spoke about their struggle on her ITV2 reality show, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair.
She said that their relationship came under strain during the Covid lockdowns in 2020, leaving them seeking professional help.
On the show, which was filmed a month before their split, Chloe spoke openly about their difficulties.
"We went through a really hard time in lockdown – our marriage was really quite tested," she said.
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"It's not much better now!" James added.
"I know, still in hell," Chloe replied, adding: "We did couple's therapy at the time.
"I think it was my way of easing my anxiety about the fact people thought we were an amazing couple, but we were a very tempestuous couple and we'd go through some really hard times.
"I like that – I know it sounds silly – but I do think it's important for people to be able to relate to what's normal in a relationship, what's not so normal, where the boundaries are…"
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Chloe said that she had reservations about doing a couple's podcast with James because they weren't "these kind of happy, smiley, performy youngsters.
"We're always butting heads, not quite seeing eye to eye and it's quite intimidating to let people hear that," she explained.
"I like lifting the curtain like no, we are all struggling, relationships are hard. It's nice to remind people relationships are hard work."
Before they filmed the podcast together, Chloe lost patience with James who hadn't prepared for the podcast.
"You've done what you love to do, you've said 'here's an idea that I really wanna do and I think it's going to be amazing' now the day is here, you've done absolutely no prep for it," Chloe pointed out.
"I was up until 11.30 last night in bed writing treatments for the show," she added.
Turning to the camera, she said: "Classic. James has not prepared anything for the podcast he insisted we do so obviously it all falls down to me and I'm quite nervous about this now."
They split in September, just 13 months after the birth of their daughter Bodhi.
In a joint statement, Chloe said: “James and I mutually decided separate at the end of September, 2023.
“We had not planned on releasing a statement at this time – certainly not while the television show was airing – but constant speculation about our marriage has, unfortunately, forced our hand.
“Beyond this statement, we will not be speaking about this matter publicly, and we would request privacy at this time.
“Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”
James later shared the statement online and added: “It's with a lot of sadness I write this post, but unfortunately, in the world we live in, it has to be done.
“My priority is my daughter’s and Chloe’s happiness and security. For that reason, I won't be commenting any further.”
A source said: "Chloe and James have been fighting for a long time to make a go of their marriage.
“Having a young baby, and James being away so often would take a toll on anyone. But some of James's behaviour was upsetting, and he knows that.
“The pair made the incredibly hard decision to call time so that they could focus on their daughter and being the best possible parents.
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"Things are completely civil between them, and they shall remain friends. Bodhi is their number one priority."
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