In this episode we talk to Harry Potter fan James Haskell. Oh, and he’s also an England rugby star, reality TV contestant and podcast host.

James Haskell had a glittering rugby career before retiring from the game in 2019, but whether you’re into rugby or not James is well worth your attention.

In this episode we find out what really happened behind the scenes of that controversial season of the UK’s reality TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, how seeing a sports psychologist changed the way James checks in on his friends’ mental health and why he’s training to be a digger driver at the age of 35. 

James also shares what happened when he chose the Potter films for his Mastermind quiz subject, why the films remind him of his time at boarding school and what makes wizards and witches so darn cool.

James hosts three brilliant podcasts: What a Flanker, Couples Quarantine with his wife Chloe Madeley and The Good the Bad and the Rugby alongside Mike Tindall and Alex Payne.

James’ ‘3am Questions’:

Favourite book - The Harry Potter series and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Favourite song - Tiny Dancer by Elton John

Favourite film - Ronin starring Robert De Niro

Our Sponsors:

We want to thank this episode's sponsors Beer52 and Yamaha for their support. Go to Beer52.com/normal and pay the postage costs of just £5.95 to get eight free craft beers, a snack and a magazine. To check out the brilliant Yamaha E700A headphones go to yamahamusiclondon.com/E700A

We want to hear from you. If you have a brilliant 'Did You Know?' fact, a question for us, a jingle you’ve written or a voice note you want to share, get in touch! We’ll choose a few messages and include them in the audio version of the podcast every episode. You can tweet us your message using the hashtags #normalnotnormal and #didyouknow or email us at [email protected] 

Remember, if you’re sending us a voice note or jingle and you’re under eighteen, please get permission from your parents or guardian.

Follow us on Twitter:

@OliverPhelps     

@James_Phelps

@jameshaskell

Normal Not Normal is a Stabl production.

Produced by Alice Homewood.

YouTube version edited by James and Oliver Phelps.

Music: 'Not Normal' by Sebastian Forslund, 'Bobby Swing' by The Bladwerk Band and ‘Dancing with the Devil’ by Bonkers Beat Club.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices