Wayne Rooney is in advanced negotiations to appear on the next series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, according to reports, with insiders suggesting the retired footballer could become the show's biggest signing in its history. The 40-year-old's potential participation follows the success of his wife, Coleen Rooney, who finished as runner-up in the 2024 series, behind Danny Jones, and was reportedly paid £1.5 million for her stint.
Advanced talks and record-breaking potential
An insider told The Sun on Sunday: 'Wayne is in advanced talks for I'm A Celebrity and if they secure him, he'll be their biggest signing in the show's history. ITV have been in negotiations with him for some time and are thrilled that they've reached this stage.'
The source added: 'Wayne wants to show their sons what their dad can do and has joked he'll be giving Coleen a run for her money. He is really competitive and hates losing so will give I'm A Celebrity his all.'
The insider also revealed that Coleen is 'backing him all the way' and has been providing her husband with 'hints and tips about life in the jungle.' Wayne was said to have been 'proud' of how his wife pushed herself during her time in the Australian jungle and now fancies his own chances.
Family plans and potential co-stars
According to the insider, Coleen would relocate to Australia, where the show is filmed, with the couple's three youngest children: Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight. However, their eldest son, Klay, 16, might remain in the UK due to his football scholarship commitments with Manchester United.
If Wayne joins the upcoming series, he could be joined by other rumoured contestants, including Jesy Nelson and Joanna Page. Since retiring from professional football, Wayne has become a popular pundit, winning over new audiences during the World Cup this summer with his brutally honest comments and noticeable style transformation, including a wardrobe upgrade and a nose job.
Previous hints and public statements
Last year, Wayne hinted at his interest in joining the long-running series, telling PA: '[I'm A Celebrity] is something I would never say no to, of course. I think I said on the aftershow when Coleen was in the jungle that was the one we've always watched and the one we both said if there was anything we'd do it'd be that. So, you never know in the future, but I've got other things I'm looking at at the minute.'
Just this month, Coleen addressed the possibility of her husband joining the line-up, telling The Guardian: 'Wayne's funny and laid-back. He can be a charmer, but can have a short temper. He can be impatient, waiting around for things.'
Friends close to Wayne are reportedly keen for the public to see how 'incredibly funny' he is and are confident he'll be a strong addition to this year's I'm A Celebrity. Meanwhile, an ITV spokesperson told The Sun on Sunday: 'Any names suggested for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.'
Until any official confirmation, fans can watch the Rooney family in their new reality series, The Real Rooneys, which premieres on Disney+ on September 24.
