James Haskell reveals he’s been forced to spend £70k on operations to stop his body falling apart after brutal injuries

JAMES Haskell has counted up the total cost of keeping his body from falling apart - and it tallies at an eye-watering £70,000.

The former England rugby union player needed so much medical treatment during his career on the pitch that he ended up forking out from his own pocket.

James, who spent the majority of his competitive rugby days with the London Wasps, said he had to cough up the cash to ensure his body kept "functioning".

The star was hit with a host of injuries while playing professional rugby, including a torn bicep, an ankle injury that required surgery and a fused finger.

He also suffered from pain in his neck, shoulders, back, hips, and toes during his sporting career.

The star, 39, made the confession while speaking on Spooning with Mark Wogan.

James admitted: "I think we spent about 70 grand on operations, medical treatment, physios, injections, prescriptions just to keep by body functioning."

Meanwhile, dad-of-one James has also lifted the lid on his split with wife Chloe Madeley, 37.

The couple called time on their marriage in October 2023, shortly after filming their ITV documentary, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair.

The pair co-parent their two-year-old daughter Bodhi and James has nothing but praise for the mother of his child.

James said: "Chloe is an amazing woman, extremely talented. She's made me a much better person being with her.

"Now we're separated.. you separate essentially because you want to make sure your daughter has the best possible life.

"I think when you have a child, you have a responsibility and everything your other wishes go out the window.

"As you grow in relationships, marriage is a really interesting thing, because a lot of people change, elements change, careers change, and you kind of, the confines of it mean that everything else grows but it doesn't grow.

"So now the ability for us to co-parent is so important."

James did go on to admit that the arrival of Bodhi in August 2022 put a big strain on his relationship with Chloe, who is the daughter of TV legends Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

Virgin Radio broadcaster Mark said: "The other thing that a lot of people don't talk about, and they feel like they shouldn't, is how much your relationship changed when they were a child.

"That puts an enormous strain on any relationship."

James agreed, adding: "Of course. I think that's why it's interesting."

MOVING ON

Earlier this month, it was said that James has moved on with a new woman.

The MailOnline reported that James has been secretly dating 34-year-old Helen Barclay for just over a year.

Chloe, meanwhile, recently revealed that she hopes to have more children one day.

In a Q&A with fans, the fitness fanatic did admit that she is currently single and would only have more kids if she meets the right person.

Chloe said: "If I met the right person, I would for sure. But it's not something I want to do enough alone, if that makes sense. 

"I change my mind about this a lot though, so you might have gotten a different answer from me last week."