Wayne Rooney has been confirmed in the line-up for this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, joking about his chances of winning the ITV show as his wife, Coleen, was asked whether he could match her 2024 run.
The Manchester United legend and former England captain, 41, is following in the footsteps of Coleen, 40, who reached the final of the reality show two years ago, finishing runner-up to McFly star Danny Jones.
Arrival in Australia
Rooney was seen leaving Manchester Airport last weekend before landing at Brisbane Airport on Monday (November 9). He remained tight-lipped when asked if he was looking forward to the jungle, only admitting: "I've never been to Australia," but smiled when asked about jungle karaoke.
The footballer-turned-pundit, who previously managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, joked ahead of his appearance that he has plenty of time on his hands because he has not been "great as a manager".
Jungle expectations
Rooney said he is looking forward to showing viewers a different side of his personality. "I hope people will see me for who I am. I like to have fun and I like to think I am actually a fun guy to be around," he said. "I do like to mess around a bit and I do talk a lot. People will have their own opinions, but I hope they will see me as a genuine person."
He also said Coleen and friends who have previously appeared on the programme have given him tips, although he is determined to make up his own mind about jungle life. "Yeah, she has told me a bit of advice and I've had friends that have been in it as well. But I suppose you have to experience it yourself, don't you. I'm just looking forward to experiencing it in my own way - I think that's the most important thing."
On winning the show, which is fronted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, Rooney said: "If I'm being honest, it's what I have always wanted in life," before adding: "I am joking! But obviously, if I'm doing it, you want to win it. Of course, you do. But if I'm being honest, I'm doing this for the experience. Going on, I'm a celebrity, which is what I've always wanted to do."
Coleen's verdict
Meanwhile, appearing on The Six O'Clock Show before ITV officially announced Wayne's jungle appearance, host Brian Dowling asked Coleen 'hypothetical' questions about her husband taking part without directly mentioning it. Asked if he would do a better job than she would, Coleen said: "I think they'd do well... I was going to say before that was going to come up in my conversation when I said someone's away working for quite a few weeks. But life still goes on in my house."
On who would be able to do it better, Coleen added: "I don't know because I haven't seen the company." And when asked if she has 'high hopes for the person in this position', she added: "I hope so!"
