Wayne Rooney has touched down in Australia ahead of his appearance on I'm a Celebrity. The former Manchester United striker, 41, landed at Brisbane Airport on Monday, November 9, for his first-ever visit to the country.
Upon arriving, Rooney stayed tight-lipped about entering the camp, though he smiled knowingly when asked about potential jungle karaoke sessions. His appearance comes two years after his wife, Coleen, won over viewers during her own stint on the ITV reality series.
A Big Name in the Line-up
Rooney, who has built a career as a football pundit following spells in management, is described as the biggest name in this year's line-up. After months of talks with ITV executives, his signing was finalised, with producers confident he can match the popularity of his wife, who placed second in 2024. Bookmakers already rate him as the leading contender to win.
The former England captain is understood to be eager to make his four sons—Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, ten, and Cass, eight—proud by taking on the show's notorious Bushtucker Trials.
Support from Coleen and Career Highlights
Rooney will have no shortage of advice from Coleen, 40, who became a firm favourite with viewers during her time in camp. He has previously shown enthusiasm for the programme, publicly supporting Coleen while she was in Australia and encouraging viewers to vote for her to face a Bushtucker Trial.
Since retiring from playing, Rooney has managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle before establishing himself as a television pundit. Those close to him believe his quick wit and famously blunt opinions could make him a hit with viewers.
Other stars rumoured to be entering the jungle include Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, 49, TV presenter and former Paralympian Ade Adepitan, 53, Kaiser Chiefs' frontman Ricky Wilson, 48, and Love Islander Chloe Burrows, 30.
