James Haskell | Celebs Go Dating 2026

Why did you say yes to Celebs Go Dating?

I said yes because I've always enjoyed doing TV stuff, and I was looking for something to dip my toe into that would probably be slightly different. So I decided just to give it a go. My whole life has always been about having fun and trying stuff. And it's obviously a show with a massive cult following, so I thought it might be a good idea to get involved and do it.

Were you nervous at all?

I'm always nervous when it comes to doing TV, working with new people and putting yourself out there can feel exposing. I've been quite private about my life, really. I mean, there's bits and pieces that make it into papers, but most of that I've been private with. But I was definitely excited too, it’s fun to experience new things and meet new people.

Why do you think the show is so popular?

The show in itself is very interesting. You've got three experts who take the job very seriously and are there to help you. You've got Rob Beckett taking the piss out of everything. You've got seven celebs in different parts of their lives. People looking to find love. So it all goes into a melting pot. They've been doing it for such a long time, and they know what they're doing.

How would you describe your love life right now?

I wasn't necessarily looking for love, I'm very comfortable on my own. I am outgoing, but if I'm being really honest with you, I spend a lot of time on my own or with my daughter Bodhi and I really enjoy that. I just enjoy myself dating, having fun meeting people.

Did you give the agents a list of what you are looking for?

I don't really have a type, honestly, in respect to appearance. Through years of playing sport and being scrutinised and criticised, you learn that you are far from perfect and you are in your own lane. So you can go into life having a whole shopping list of things that you want, but you then have to look at yourself and go, "What are you offering?" I know the values that are priorities for me. There are traits I’m attracted to; I like a woman who is confident, who is intelligent, who has independence.

What have your dates been like?

I had some amazing dates. It's been a really good fun vibe. Everyone's been very different. One of the dates I got on really well with, but I could see straightaway that I wasn't going to be able to match up what they wanted lifestyle-wise. Overall it’s been a really fun cathartic process. Every girl they've matched me with, has been really lovely. I've laughed, had some great times, even if we realized we weren’t a match for each other.

It seems you have a good friendship with Stephen?

Yeah, we're all teammates - It's always really important for me to be a good friend, and a good partner. And sometimes that doesn't translate to viewers so I’m glad that has come across. Stephen is a guy that I’ve always admired, I actually warmed up for him a couple of times on DJ sets, we get on really well. He's obviously going through his own journey that has similarities with my own. We both have a young child, both not sure what we wanted to find dating. We have that in common and I’m happy I've been able to be a bit shoulder to lean on for him.

How open are you with the agents during your chats?

I always try to conduct myself well and be honest while remembering that my daughter might see this one day. I'm always very open and honest and vulnerable - I talk about therapy, I talk about my dad, I talk about my relationship. There was this initial bit of the show like, "Oh, you need to be vulnerable." I was like, "Guys...I am.”

What was it like working with Dr. Tara?

Working with Dr. Tara was fun, and very interesting. When I first met her, I sat next to her at dinner and she told me about ethical non-monogamy and all this other stuff. That kind of stuff doesn't phase me, sexuality doesn't phase me. I tend to joke around a lot with everyone so I made a lot of cheeky jokes with her.

Do you think people will see a different side to you on this show?

There aren't any sides to me, there's only me, and I hope people just see me. One thing that I've always prided myself on is that I always show up as myself. I think in certain industries, I work in the music industry now, you do stuff on TV, in sport, and there's people that'll put-on personas and pretend to be something they're not. I think I'm a hundred percent authentic to who I am.

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