I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! returns to screens tonight with a star-studded line-up, including Coleen Rooney, who is reportedly set to become the show's highest-paid contestant ever. The wife of former England footballer Wayne Rooney is said to be in line for a £5 million payday, surpassing the £1.5 million reportedly earned by Nigel Farage in 2023.
Coleen, 38, has been a prominent figure in British media for over two decades, first gaining attention as Wayne's childhood sweetheart and later as a key 'WAG' during the 2000s England team. Her involvement in the 2019 'Wagatha Christie' legal battle with Rebekah Vardy, another former I'm a Celeb contestant, has kept her in the public eye.
PR expert Lynn Carratt told The Sun that Coleen could secure up to £5 million through fashion and family brand deals following her jungle stint. 'Asda paid her £3 million back in 2010 to front a George campaign and Littlewoods paid her £2 million,' Carratt said. 'She'll likely bring out her own fashion edit with one of the affordable brands, which could earn her a big sum.'
Other campmates include former N-Dubz singer Tulisa, McFly's Danny Jones, Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, influencer GK Barry, and TV presenter Melvin Odoom. The 2024 series aims to boost ratings after last year's show, which saw Sam Thompson crowned King of the Jungle.
Previous highest-paid contestants include Nigel Farage (£1.5 million), Boy George (£500,000), and Noel Edmonds (£600,000). Edmonds, who lasted only nine days in 2018, called the experience 'in the top 10 life experiences for me.'
