Wayne Rooney is reportedly set to become the highest-paid contestant in the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, with reports suggesting he has secured a six-figure sum for his appearance.
The former England and Manchester United footballer is among the newly confirmed line-up for the ITV reality show, which returns later this month. A source told The Sun: "Wayne Rooney is the biggest name in there, and has landed the biggest pay cheque."
The source added: "He's banked a chunky six figure sum for his time in the jungle – and ITV were happy to pay to get him on board!"
Wayne Rooney's Jungle Return
Wayne, 41, follows in the footsteps of his wife, Coleen Rooney, who appeared on the show in 2024. The 40-year-old finished in second place behind winner Danny Jones.
During an appearance on This Morning in September, Wayne addressed speculation about joining the cast. He was sitting alongside Coleen discussing their Disney+ documentary, The Real Rooneys, when presenter Ben Shephard quizzed him about the rumours.
"You're looking fit and healthy, so you're ready for the shower shot in your swimming trunks, with the six pack. Is it something you're considering?" the ITV host asked.
Wayne responded: "No, I've been asked all the time as well, and there's obviously rumours being thrown the last few years, and there's rumours again this year. So you'll have to wait and see..."
Full Line-Up and Return Date
I'm A Celebrity will return on November 16, with Ant and Dec once again at the helm. Wayne will be joined by YouTuber Sharky, 30, and Love Island star Chloe Burrows, 30, who appeared on the dating show in 2021.
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, 48, is also believed to be in the line-up, along with Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, 38, and Loose Women star Mariella Frostrup, 63.
Paralympian and BBC presenter Ade Adepitan, 53, will be the first contestant to use a wheelchair, with ITV bosses said to be adapting the jungle surroundings to accommodate him. Victoria's Secret model Leomie Anderson, 33, will also head Down Under alongside Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, 55, who is believed to have signed up after Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson pulled out.
Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, 49, is also entering the jungle with comedian Leigh Francis, 53, better known as Keith Lemon. Rounding off this year's cast is stand-up comedian and former carpet fitter Jack Skipper.
