Wayne Rooney has revealed his fears and reservations ahead of entering the I'm A Celebrity jungle on Monday, admitting that "there's nowhere to hide" in the camp and vowing to "bring the title back to the Rooney household" after his wife Coleen finished second in 2024.
In his pre-camp interview, the former football player, a dad of four, spoke about his hopes for camp life, noting that viewers get to see sides of the celebrities they may not always see, such as vulnerability, hunger and sadness.
First Trip to Australia
Wayne was recently spotted arriving in Brisbane, admitting it was his very first trip to Australia. The football star remained tight-lipped when quizzed about entering the camp, though he flashed a knowing grin at the mention of potential jungle karaoke sessions. This year, bookmakers already rate him as the leading contender to win.
In the interview, Wayne said: "Obviously my wife did it a couple of years ago, so I know its not going to be easy, if I'm being honest I'm probably a lot more scared of things than she is."
He added: "I'm intrigued myself to be honest to see what trials I have to do, if I'll be good at them, because I've never been in a situation where I've been around rats or all the critters. The insect ones don't look good do they?"
Facing Fears in the Jungle
Wayne also shared his biggest fears: "Snakes are probably the worst one I'd say, I think it was one of my kids birthday party's years ago, I did put a snake round my neck, but didn't like it. Probably my biggest fear is to actually stand on the edge of the plane and jump out, that's terrifying."
He continued: "I'd like to think id never shout 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' but you don't know when your in that moment. I've been on holidays where I've never stepped foot in the sea because I'm scared of the fish."
Speaking about his worries when in the camp, he said: "With everything I've done in my career, this is probably the most exposing because they're literally seeing what you're like on a day to day basis when your vulnerable, upset, hungry, down. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing I don't know."
He concluded: "I just want to be me and I think in here there's nowhere to hide. Obviously I want to win, if your going in you want to win, Coleen has already tried and finished second so I'm here to bring the title back to the Rooney household."
Other Stars Entering the Jungle
As well as Wayne, other stars set to enter 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.
I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! will air from 9pm on Monday, November 16.
