Wayne Rooney reveals wife Coleen's advice for I'm a Celebrity and says he wants to do it 'my own way'

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! newcomer Wayne Rooney has explained how his wife Coleen, who was a runner-up back in 2024, impacted his decision to take part on ITV's reality series.

As the Ant and Dec show is set to return to the Aussie jungle next Monday (16 November), Wayne has admitted being a huge fan of the series. He shared that he and Coleen would watch it and that her experience was a key factor in him signing up for the new season.

"It's a show I've always wanted to do," the former Manchester United forward said.

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"Me and Coleen would sit there watching and we both always said, 'If we were going to do one, it's the show to do'."

Wayne, who was the manager of EFL club Plymouth Argyle until December 2024, continued: "Coleen did it a couple of years ago and then this year it came about because of the way it fell – me not being great as a manager! And obviously not working full time as a player has given me time where I could do it, so I thought, why not?"

Asked if Coleen has given him advice on how to navigate the jungle and its trials, the former footballer replied: "Yeah, she has told me a bit of advice and I've had friends that have been in it as well."

He added: "But I suppose you have to experience it yourself, don't you? I'm just looking forward to experiencing it in my own way - I think that's the most important thing."

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Wayne then described himself as "a fun guy to be around" and hopes his time in the jungle will help viewers see him "for who I am".

"I do like to mess around a bit and I do talk a lot," he said. "People will have their own opinions, but I hope they will see me as a genuine person."

The football star isn't the only new I'm a Celebrity contestant to have received precious advice from friends and family, as Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney also shared she was encouraged by co-star and former campmate Alan Halsall.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! season 26 is set to start airing on ITV2 on 16 November. It will also stream on ITVX.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).