James Haskell joins Routes from LNER
James Haskell Opens Up on Travel, DJ Life and Reality TV on Routes from LNER
Former England rugby star and international DJ, James Haskell, is the latest guest to join Jenni Falconer on Routes for a wide ranging conversation covering stories of diggers, DJ booths, the jungle and why he loves Edinburgh. James talks candidly about his sporting career, unexpected hobbies, travel experiences and life after rugby.
"DJing became the perfect replacement for rugby, same pressure, same intensity, same emotional hit" said James Haskell.
Haskell talks about the trips that have shaped his life from playing rugby in Paris and Japan to DJing in Ibiza and surviving the Australian jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Key Topics from the Episode
The Digger Dream:
He shares how he fulfilled a childhood ambition by being sponsored by JCB and driving a digger to rugby training, even clearing a neighbour’s orchard in exchange for homemade cider.
Life in France:
Haskell reflects on playing rugby in Paris, the café culture, and how it contrasted with the more regimented British rugby lifestyle.
Vegas and Ibiza:
He recalls visiting Las Vegas 19 times with teammates and how seeing superstar DJs control crowds inspired his music career.
Reality TV Reality:
Opening up about his experience on I’m A Celebrity…, Haskell explains how extreme calorie restriction and emotional pressures made it one of the toughest challenges of his life, losing 12kg in just 18 days.
New Music and New Chapter
Haskell also discusses his latest music releases, including his track Magic Pills, and explains why producing original music is now essential for modern DJs trying to stand out in a crowded scene.
He also reflects on his decision to appear on Celebs Go Dating, describing it as an opportunity to show a different side of himself beyond his sporting persona.
Routes from LNER with Jenni Falconer is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms, watch on YouTube and listen onboard LNER trains.
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Notes to editors
Jenni Falconer
Jenni Falconer is a well-known TV and radio presenter with nearly 30 years of experience. She’s hosted shows including ITV’s This Morning, Entertainment Today, GMTV, The National Lottery Show, and Cirque de Celebrité, and is a regular on West End red carpets.
She currently hosts Smooth Breakfast, making her the UK’s only solo female breakfast show host, and previously presented on Heart.
Originally from Glasgow, Jenni began her media career while at university in Leeds, going on to front shows like Holiday, Fantasy Homes by the Sea and How to Holiday.
A passionate runner, she launched the hit podcast RunPod in 2019, with guests ranging from Mo Farah to Amanda Holden. In 2025, she ran her 10th London Marathon and released her first book, Runner’s High.
Jenni is also a keen golfer and hosts the Women’s Golf Show podcast. In 2020, she co-founded the award-winning supplement brand Kollo Health, with her latest launch, MenoSupport, supporting women’s health.
She lives in London with her husband James and daughter Ella.