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Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as a contestant heading into the Australian jungle for the upcoming series of the ITV reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Joining the Star-Studded Lineup
The former England striker, who holds the record as Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer with 253 goals across a 13-year career at Old Trafford, will appear alongside several other well-known figures. The lineup for the program includes Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan, actress Claire Sweeney, and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup.
Rooney follows his wife Coleen, who participated in the program in 2024 and finished in second place behind Danny Jones. The opening episode of the 26th series is scheduled to air on Monday, November 16.
Facing His Fears in the Jungle
Regarding his mindset for the competition, Rooney stated, “If you’re going in you want to win it.” He added, “Coleen’s already tried and obviously she finished second in the show so I’m here to bring that title back to the Rooney household.”
The former footballer faces potential hurdles with the show’s famous trials, which traditionally begin with contestants jumping out of an airplane and include challenges involving eating various grubs and kangaroo anatomy.
Rooney commented on his phobias, stating, “I’ve been booked to jump out of a plane three times before and never made it on the plane. I don’t like snakes or what is in the water either – I don’t go in the sea.”
Post-Playing Career and Media Work
Rooney retired from professional playing in 2021 after taking the permanent managerial role at Derby. The 41-year-old later managed Major League Soccer side DC United, Birmingham, and Plymouth.
Alongside his managerial experience, he works as a pundit for the BBC program Match of the Day.
