Key Highlights
- Wayne Rooney is reportedly in advanced talks to join ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” for the 2024 series, potentially becoming the show’s highest-profile signing ever.
- The former England and Manchester United captain is said to be motivated by a desire to impress his four sons and match his wife Coleen’s runner-up finish on the 2022 series.
- Other rumored contestants include Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Mis-Teeq singer Su-Elise Nash, Olympic ice dancer Christopher Dean, and former England cricket captain Ben Stokes.
Rooney Poised for Historic Jungle Deal
ITV is reportedly closing in on what insiders describe as the biggest celebrity signing in the 24-year history of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Former Manchester United and England football captain Wayne Rooney is said to be in advanced negotiations to enter the Australian jungle for the upcoming 2024 series. According to a source speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the broadcaster has pursued the 40-year-old for an extended period and is “thrilled” talks have progressed to this stage.
“Wayne is in advanced talks for I’m A Celebrity and if they secure him, he’ll be their biggest signing in the show’s history. ITV have been in negotiations with him for some time and are thrilled that they’ve reached this stage.”
The potential deal would reportedly make Rooney a multi-million pound recruit for the three-week production. While an ITV spokesperson declined to confirm any participant names—a standard policy for the network—the accuracy of pre-series speculation has historically been high. Rooney’s possible arrival follows a trend of high-profile political and sporting figures entering the camp, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, Lionesses star Jill Scott, and Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.
Family Rivalry and Personal Motivation Drive Decision
Beyond the financial incentive, sources indicate Rooney harbors a deeply personal reason for signing up. His wife, Coleen Rooney, finished as runner-up on the 2022 series, and the former striker is reportedly eager to show their four sons—Kai, Klay, Kit, and Cass—what he can achieve in the same unforgiving environment.
“Wayne wants to show their sons what their dad can do and has joked he’ll be giving Coleen a run for her money. He is really competitive and hates losing so will give I’m A Celebrity his all.”
This competitive instinct is well documented. In a recent interview promoting his new BBC game show, Rooney stated plainly: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive.” Insiders suggest he intends to throw himself fully into the notorious Bushtucker Trials, viewing the physical and psychological challenges as an opportunity to demonstrate resilience to his family.
Star-Studded Lineup Takes Shape
Rooney would not be the only major name heading down under. Reports indicate Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson has already agreed to participate, with former Mis-Teeq member Su-Elise Nash also rumored to be joining the cast. Olympic ice dancing legend Christopher Dean, one half of Torvill and Dean, is another name circulating in pre-series briefings. Perhaps most surprisingly, former England cricket captain Ben Stokes—who retired from ODI cricket in 2022 but remains Test captain—is also linked with an appearance, though his cricketing commitments may complicate scheduling.
The Real Rooneys: A Media Strategy in Motion
The timing of the jungle rumors coincides with a significant new media venture for the couple. A 10-part documentary series titled The Real Rooneys is set to premiere on Disney+ on September 24, offering cameras unprecedented access to their family home. The series arrives two years after the hugely successful Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, which revisited her high-profile libel battle with Rebekah Vardy. A stint on I’m A Celebrity would amplify Wayne Rooney’s public profile immediately ahead of the Disney+ launch, creating a synergistic promotional window across rival streaming and broadcast platforms.
Why This Matters
Securing Wayne Rooney would represent a major coup for ITV at a time when linear television faces intense competition from streaming services for younger audiences. Rooney transcends sport; he is one of the most recognizable British public figures of the last two decades, with a narrative arc spanning footballing royalty, tabloid scrutiny, and recent reinvention as a manager and media personality. His participation guarantees front-page coverage across the series’ three-week run, driving both live viewership and social media engagement. Furthermore, the “Rooney vs. Rooney” subplot—pitting husband against wife’s prior jungle performance—creates a ready-made narrative hook that producers can leverage across ITV’s daytime and digital assets. For Rooney, the move signals a calculated shift toward mainstream entertainment media, potentially opening doors to further presenting or punditry roles beyond football management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has ITV officially confirmed Wayne Rooney for I’m A Celebrity 2024?
No. An ITV spokesperson refused to confirm any names for the upcoming series, consistent with the broadcaster’s policy of maintaining secrecy until the official lineup announcement, typically made days before the launch show.
How much could Wayne Rooney earn from appearing on the show?
Reports suggest Rooney could command a multi-million pound fee, which would make him the highest-paid contestant in the show’s history. Exact figures remain unverified.
When does the new series of I’m A Celebrity start?
ITV has not announced a premiere date for the 2024 series. Historically, the show launches in mid-to-late November, running for approximately three weeks in the Australian jungle.
