The former England and Manchester United star is reportedly in advanced talks with programme bosses following wife Coleen’s successful appearance in 2024
Wayne Rooney could be heading into the Australian jungle, with reports claiming the former England striker is in advanced talks to join the next series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The 40-year-old Manchester United legend is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with ITV, in what has been described as a potentially historic signing for the long-running reality show.
A source told The Sun on Sunday that Rooney was in advanced negotiations, adding that he could become the programme’s “biggest signing” if a deal is secured.
However, ITV has not confirmed the reports. A spokesperson told GB News that any names currently being linked with the forthcoming series remained speculation.
Following Coleen into the jungle
Rooney would be following in the footsteps of his wife Coleen, who became one of the most popular contestants during the 2024 series.
Coleen impressed viewers with her resilience and down-to-earth personality, eventually finishing as runner-up behind McFly singer Danny Jones.
She is reportedly supporting Wayne’s possible jungle appearance and has already been sharing advice about surviving camp life, the limited food and the programme’s notoriously difficult Bushtucker Trials.
Should he sign up, Coleen is expected to travel to Australia to support her husband during filming, potentially accompanied by their three youngest children.
Their eldest son Kai may remain in the UK because of his football commitments after reportedly securing a scholarship with Manchester United.
Encouraged by his four sons
Rooney is believed to have been encouraged to accept the challenge by the couple’s four sons — Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and eight-year-old Cass.
Sources claim the former striker wants to show his children how he would cope in the jungle and has joked about giving Coleen “a run for her money”.
Known for his fiercely competitive personality, Rooney would be expected to throw himself into the experience and fully embrace the Bushtucker Trials.
Viewers could also hear previously untold stories from his remarkable football career, which included trophy-filled years with Manchester United, 120 appearances for England and spells with Everton, DC United and Derby County.
Could Rooney become the show’s biggest signing?
I’m A Celebrity has welcomed major names from sport, television, music and politics since first arriving on screens in 2002.
However, securing one of the most recognisable footballers of his generation would be a considerable coup for ITV.
Rooney has remained in the public eye since retiring from professional football, working in management, television and punditry. A jungle appearance would allow viewers to see a very different side of the former striker.
For now, his involvement remains unconfirmed, and fans will have to wait for ITV’s official contestant announcement to discover whether Wayne Rooney will really be swapping football grounds for the Australian jungle.
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