Wayne Rooney was spotted at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning amid rumours he is set to join the 2026 line-up of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!. The former England star, 41, was seen looking noticeably slimmer as he prepared to fly to Australia via Singapore, accompanied by his manager, Paul Stretford.
Rumoured jungle debut follows wife Coleen's success
The trip comes two years after his wife Coleen, 40, won over viewers during her own stint in camp. Wayne is now tipped to follow in her footsteps, with Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page and Love Island star Chloe Burrows also expected to join the 2026 line-up.
Fans have remarked on Wayne's changed appearance, described as a 'jungle glow up', following an overhaul of his eating and exercise habits. Wayne recently denied using weight-loss injections.
Rooney explains his transformation
Explaining his transformation on This Morning, he said: "I feel great, I haven't drank for a while. I just wanted to feel healthier and be healthier so I've changed my eating habits and training." He added: "Everyone's saying I'm on this pen thing, but I'm not, I've been working out to try and look better and be healthier."
The Manchester United legend is rumoured to be among 12 new campmates for the 2026 series, which launches on Monday, November 16. It is understood that Wayne is eager to impress his four sons with his performance in the Bushtucker Trials in Australia and could become the programme's most high-profile signing to date.
Expected line-up and airport sightings
The expected line-up also includes Ade Adepitan, Claire Sweeney, Ricky Wilson, AJ Odudu, Sharky, Leigh Francis, Mariella Frostrup, Leomie Anderson and Jack Skipper. The programme is anticipated to last for roughly three weeks, finishing with a live final in early December.
Wayne was not the only one spotted at the airport, as YouTuber Sharmarke Mohamud, better known as Sharkey, was pictured arriving at London Heathrow Airport as he prepared to board a flight ahead of his rumoured appearance.
Pre-entry requirements and show rules
If confirmed, Wayne would follow a succession of former footballers into the jungle. Jimmy Bullard, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock, Ian Wright and Dennis Wise have all travelled Down Under to tackle the trials. Coleen proved enormously popular on the programme two years ago, finishing as runner-up to singer Danny Jones.
Before entering the competition, Wayne would be required to complete a psychological assessment and disclose any physical conditions that might prevent him from taking part in particular trials. However, the former Derby County manager could find one of the show's rules difficult to navigate, as campmates are forbidden from revealing their participation to anybody, including friends who have previously appeared on the programme, until the broadcaster officially announces the news.
Cast members are also prohibited from seeking advice from former contestants, although precisely how ITV intends to enforce this rule remains unclear. Coleen's previous appearance, and the fact that the couple share a home, could make that restriction particularly tricky for Wayne. The Rooneys have attracted a new following since the launch of their reality series on Disney, with The Real Rooneys portraying the family away from public life, with Wayne and Coleen sharing their lives, warts and all, as busy parents of four.
