Rooney's jungle reality debut
Wayne Rooney reportedly nears record-breaking deal to join I'm a Celebrity 2026
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Key Points
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Rooney could reportedly surpass Coleen Rooney’s record £1.5 million fee from the 2024 series, potentially receiving the largest payment in the show’s 24-year history.
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Rooney previously said he would not rule out appearing on the program, explaining that it was the show he and Coleen had always watched and discussed taking part in together.
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Since retiring as a player in 2021, Rooney has worked in coaching and management—including spells in charge of Birmingham City and Plymouth—before moving into a prominent BBC punditry role on programs including Match of the Day.
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Coleen Rooney narrowly missed victory in 2024, receiving 44.79% of the final public vote against McFly musician Danny Jones.
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Other names reportedly linked with the 2026 cast include Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson and Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, although ITV has not confirmed any lineup.
Wayne Rooney is in advanced talks to join ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! for the 2026 season, LADBible reports. The former England and Manchester United star could become the show's highest-paid contestant ever, potentially surpassing his wife Coleen's £1.5 million fee from last year's series.
Rooney previously said he would not rule out appearing on the program, calling it the show he and Coleen had always watched together. He could be joined in Australia by his wife and younger children, who may travel to support him during the jungle challenges.
A Record-Breaking Deal in the Making
Rooney's reported fee would shatter the show's 24-year history. LADBible says negotiations suggest a payment larger than Coleen's £1.5 million deal in 2024. ITV has not officially confirmed the deal, stating that all names linked to the program remain speculation.
Why Rooney Wants to Take on the Jungle
Rooney told friends the show was personal — he and Coleen had discussed joining for years. Head Topics reports that his motivation includes impressing his four sons by facing jungle challenges. The retired footballer sees it as a chance to do what the couple always planned together.
Coleen's Strong 2024 Run Sets the Stage
Coleen finished runner-up in last year's series, earning 44.79% of the final public vote against McFly musician Danny Jones. Her popularity on the show may have paved the way for Wayne's talks. Radio Times notes the couple's combined interest in the program has now captured ITV's attention.
Rooney's Career Since Leaving Football
The football legend retired as a player in 2021 and has since worked in coaching and management. He led Birmingham City and Plymouth before joining the BBC as a pundit on Match of the Day and other programs. Centre Devils reports his media profile makes him an attractive signing for ITV's 2026 cast.
Other names rumored for the 2026 lineup include Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson and Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu. However, ITV has confirmed none of these reports, keeping the full roster under wraps until an official announcement.
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