The salaries for this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! cast have sparked discussion before the stars have even entered camp. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will return to present the ITV programme, which launches tonight (November 16) on ITV1 and ITVX.
The opening episode was moved from its traditional Sunday slot to avoid clashing with ITV's live broadcast of England's UEFA Nations League fixture against Spain. Former England footballer Wayne Rooney is among the famous faces entering the jungle, alongside Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, and Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu.
Reported Fees for the 2026 Line-Up
Figures circulating online suggest a substantial disparity between the rumoured fees each cast member will receive. Rooney is reportedly poised to secure the largest fee amongst the 2026 line-up, walking away with an £800,000 payment. Meanwhile, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson is said to be collecting £175,000.
Joanna and AJ are each said to be pocketing £150,000, while Ade, TV personality Claire Sweeney and journalist Mariella Frostrup are reportedly set to receive £100,000 apiece, reports Wales Online. Love Island star Chloe Burrows, model Leomie Anderson and YouTuber Sharky are each reportedly set to collect £75,000. Comedian Jack Skipper is said to be receiving the smallest payment, at £50,000.
Online Reaction to the Figures
The figures went viral following a post shared on X by television account Super TV, which attracted 1.5 million views. Rooney's rumoured salary swiftly ignited discussion, with one user commenting: "If these are true, then Rooney's agent needs to be given a massive raise! How is Wayne allegedly getting more than the next FIVE earners added together? !".
Super TV responded: "Because it's Wayne Rooney?" Another chimed in: "With the greatest respect to the rest of them Wayne Rooney is by far the biggest celebrity." A third remarked: "Rooney absolutely hoovering the budget up." Some viewers also voiced their sympathy for social media personality Jack Skipper, who reportedly received the lowest payment of the group. Others suggested they would 'find it funny' if Skipper ultimately triumphed on the show despite allegedly commanding the smallest fee.
Comparison with Previous Series
Rooney's reported earnings remain considerably lower than the figure his wife Coleen Rooney is said to have received for her own appearance in 2024. Coleen reportedly walked away with £1.5 million and finished as runner-up to McFly star Danny Jones.
ITV and a representative for Wayne Rooney has been contacted for comment. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! starts on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9pm on ITV.
