Former footballer, Wayne Rooney, is rumoured to be joining the class of I’m A Celebrity 2026 after his wife, Coleen, appeared on the show two years ago
The former footballer, whose wife, Coleen, 40, appeared on the show two years ago, was joined by his manager, Paul Stretford, on Sunday morning as he flew out of Manchester Airport to head to Australia via Singapore for the iconic show.
Wayne, 41, who is set to be joined Down Under by a whole host of famous faces, including Gavin and Stacey star, Joanna Page, and Love Island alumnus, Chloe Burrows, cut a casual figure in Manchester as he bid goodbye to England’s chilly weather, sporting a black baseball cap and jeans. The star is said to have undergone a ‘jungle glow up’ ahead of the show and looked noticeably trimmer after overhauling his lifestyle, with many fans commenting on how well he looks.
Wayne has got tongues wagging with his new look and was recently forced to deny he’d been using fat jabs. Asked to share the secret to his weight loss, he said on This Morning: “I feel great, I haven’t drank for a while. I just wanted to feel healthier and be healthier so I’ve changed my eating habits and training.
“Everyone’s saying I’m on this pen thing. but I’m not, I’ve been working out to try and look better and be healthier.”
The Manchester United icon has been rumoured to be one of 12 new campmates for the 2026 edition of I’m A Celeb, which kicks off on Monday, November 16.
It’s said that Wayne is keen to impress his four sons with his attempt at the Bushtucker Trials in Australia and looks set to be the show’s biggest ever signing.
He is set to be joined by stars including, Chloe Burrows, Joanna Page, Ade Adepitan, Claire Sweeney, Ricky Wilson, AJ Odudu, Sharky, Leigh Francis, Mariella Frostrup, Leomie Anderson, and Jack Skipper. The show is expected to run for approximately three weeks, culminating in a live final in early December.
Wayne is one of a long line of footballers who have appeared on I’m A Celeb. Over the years, former players, including Jimmy Bullard, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, Ian Wright and Dennis Wise have all headed Down Under to take part in the eye-popping trials – while trying to avoid eating kangaroo anus.
Wayne’s wife, Coleen, was a huge hit on the show two years ago, coming runner up to singer, Danny Jones.
The O.G WAG’s husband will need to undergo a psychological evaluation before officially taking part in the competition, and Wayne will also need to inform the show’s bosses of any physical ailments that could prevent him from participating in certain trials.
However, the ex-Derby County boss may find it difficult to stick to one of the several key rules of I’m A Celeb. Campmates are not allowed to tell anyone, including friends who’ve been on the show before, that they are entering the Australian jungle until the broadcaster officially confirms the news.
Cast members are also not allowed to ask previous contestants for tips, but how ITV can enforce this rule, remains in doubt. It’s certainly going to be difficult for the England icon to stick to, given Coleen’s prior involvement – and the fact they live together.
The Rooneys have got a whole new fan base since the launch of their reality show on Disney. The Real Rooneys shows the family away from the spotlight, with Wayne and Coleen sharing their lives – warts and all – as busy parents of four.