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Rugby legend James Haskell reveals he's a 'sapiosexual' after Celebs Go Dating stint

EXCLUSIVE: Rugby legend James Haskell opened up on dating after Chloe Madeley, revealed why he's a 'sapiosexual' and explained why Naked Attraction is a firm no

[James Haskell]

James Haskell starred on Celebs Go Dating this year(Image: E4)

From rugby pitches to reality TV, James Haskell has entered a new chapter and he's got plenty to say about it. Speaking to Daily Star's Carly Hacon, the former England star reveals why intelligence is his biggest turn-on, how Coleen Nolan became an unlikely pal and why Naked Attraction is a hard no. For someone who built a career on crunching tackles, James Haskell is surprisingly thoughtful when it comes to matters of the heart. The former England rugby ace has rarely been out of the headlines since splitting from wife Chloe Madeley in 2023, with the pair continuing to co-parent their three-year-old daughter Bodhi while navigating life apart. And while James has dipped his toe back into the dating world, most notably on Celebs Go Dating this year, he admits the experience taught him far more about himself than it did about finding romance. "I realised I'm probably a sapiosexual," James, 41, laughs.

[James Haskell]

James is attracted to intelligence(Image: E4)

For those unfamiliar with the term, it describes someone who is attracted primarily to intelligence rather than appearance something James says explains a lot about his dating life. "It's all about someone's brain," he explains. "I like people who can challenge me, who have something about them. I like confidence, I like intelligence. That's what attracts me." While he jokes he's "not the sharpest tool in the box", James says he loves someone who makes him think. It's a revelation that perhaps explains why, despite appearing on Celebs Go Dating, he's still very much single. The Channel 4 series didn't deliver the fairy-tale ending some viewers expected, but James insists he came away with something far more valuable. "It was a great experience," he says. "It made me understand more about myself." He's not desperately searching for "the one" either.

[James Haskell]

James is still single (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Jockey Club)

Balancing fatherhood, business ventures and an increasingly busy schedule means dating has naturally taken a back seat. "I'm not really on dating apps," he admits. "I'd rather meet somebody in real life." But the biggest surprise to come from the show wasn't a new romance it was the unlikely friendship James formed with Loose Women legend Coleen Nolan. The pair quickly struck up a friendship during filming, with viewers loving their playful chemistry. James clearly hasn't stopped laughing about it. "Coleen's an absolute rocket," he grins. Their friendship even sparked an unexpected reaction online. After the programme aired, James says his social media inbox suddenly looked very different.

"I had loads of older women messaging me," he laughs. "My DMs were full." The friendship didn't just bring laughs during filming, Coleen also left James with one unforgettable reminder of their time together.

"She got gifted a vibrator from the dating experts," he laughs. "Then she hid it in my bag and it came home with me."

[Coleen]

He struck up a bond with Coleen on the show(Image: E4)

While reality TV has become more common for James, there is one programme fans shouldn't expect to see James signing up for any time soon. Naked Attraction... The famously revealing dating show asks contestants to judge potential partners completely naked but James says that's firmly where he draws the line. "I'd never do Naked Attraction," he laughs. "You've got to be a shower." Never one to miss the opportunity for a cheeky joke, he adds that unless he was packing "an absolutely mega piece", it simply wouldn't be worth the embarrassment. Instead of stripping off, James is throwing himself into another passion that's become a huge part of his life house music. Away from rugby, television and podcasting, he's carving out a name behind the DJ decks, something that has quickly gone from hobby to genuine ambition. "It's what brings me the most joy, I wish I could do more of it, but it doesn't pay enough to keep the lights on," he says. Playing festivals and clubs has opened up a completely different world for the former sportsman, who admits he loves seeing people escape their worries through music.

[James Haskell]

James recently appeared at Wimbledon in the Royal Box(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Away from the decks, James is also celebrating the continued success of Blackeye Gin, the award-winning brand he co-founded with pals Mike Tindall and Alex Payne. The trio recently struck a partnership with MSC Cruises, with the spirit now stocked in every bar onboard MSC Virtuosa after proving a hit with guests during a successful trial last year. "We wanted to get our drink exposed as much as possible and working with a mega brand like them to get our drink on board has been brilliant," James says. The gin is now included for guests with MSC's Premium Drinks Package and those staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, marking another milestone for the brand as it continues to grow beyond its rugby roots. Between building businesses, spinning house music and embracing new opportunities, James is clearly relishing this next chapter. Love may not have arrived just yet, but if one thing's certain, it's that he's got plenty to keep him busy.

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