mike james alex rugby

Exclusive: Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne discuss fatherhood and Platinum Jubilee plans

The Good, the Bad & the Rugby hosts spoke ahead of their tour

Associate Editor
May 1, 2022

Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne spoke exclusively to HELLO! ahead of this weekend's launch of the live stage version of their popular rugby podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.

MORE: The surprising connection between Princess Eugenie and Mike Tindall's podcasts

As well as talking about their friendship and what has made their show so popular – with an incredible three million listeners and over 20 million online viewers since it started in 2020 – the trio discussed their plans for celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and their family lives.

Mike revealed how he will be spending the special occasion – and we're sure Her Majesty will approve. "I’ll be cheering on her horses at the Epsom Derby," he said.

WATCH: Mike Tindall gives his very honest verdict on Kate Middleton's rugby skills

The race takes place on 4 June, the penultimate day of the Jubilee weekend. He continued: "The Queen is so passionate about it, but so far it’s the only race none of her horses have won. How great would it be if one did in her Platinum Jubilee year."

READ: Mike Tindall makes heartfelt plea to fans for very emotional reason

SEE: Zara and Mike Tindall's country home is the perfect family retreat

Alex, meanwhile, revealed that his Jubilee plans consist of "a street party with family" – his wife Cordelia and children, Martha, 12, and Harry, ten.

The trio are taking their podcast on tour. Photo: Paul Cooper 

James will be attending the Epsom Derby with his wife Chloe Madeley, who is pregnant with their first child, a baby girl.

He also revealed that his co-hosts are sources of parenting inspiration. Discussing raising his two older children, both girls, Mike shared that eight-year-old Mia is following in his footsteps by playing rugby.

"She loves it and she's excited that she can begin contact rugby next year," the dad-of-three revealed.

Mike, James and Alex are good friends. Photo: Paul Cooper 

James added: "I'd love my daughter to be like Mia, a perfect blend of fun and laughter with a bit of character about her. Mike's given me a load of muslins to prepare.

"He and Alex are fantastic dads and have given me advice. So I know that over the next 18 years I'll never have time to myself and there will be sticky fingers over everything!"

To book tickets for The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – LIVE go to: www.goodbadrugby.com/livetour/

To read the full article, pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale now. Subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best celebrity coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Celebrity News

See more