Wayne Rooney Eyes Record‑Paying Spot on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity

Wayne Rooney has reportedly entered advanced discussions with the producers of *I’m A Celebrity* to appear on this year’s series. The former England captain, 40, would command the biggest fee in the show’s 24‑year history – more than the £1.5 million paid for his wife Coleen in 2024.

If confirmed, Rooney would become the first male contestant in a record‑setting role for the long‑running ITV program.

The potential move follows a comment last year when Rooney said he had “never said no” to a jungle stint and that he and his wife had always dreamed of doing it together. He added that his “other things” were on the table, hinting that the jungle could be next.

TV insiders say the footballer is eager to head to Australia to impress his four sons – Kai, 16; Klay, 13; Kit, 10; and Cass, eight – and prove himself in a new arena.

The proposed deal would see Rooney bring his family’s high‑profile profile to the show. Sources say a trip could include Coleen and the trio of youngest boys flying to Australia to support him, while older son Kai stays in the UK to focus on a scholarship with Manchester United.

If the negotiations close, the family will be front‑and‑center on cameras as they balance life at their Cheshire £20 million super‑mansion with jungle survival challenges.

## What Happened

A source told ** that Rooney is in advanced talks for *I’m A Celebrity* and, if secured, would become the show’s biggest signing ever. The same source added that Coleen proved hugely popular when she took part two years ago, finishing second to Danny Jones, and that the producers believe Rooney could match her success.

The source further explained that Rooney “has joked he’ll be giving Coleen a run for her money” and that he is “really competitive and hates losing,” suggesting he would give the jungle his all.

In the past, Rooney has spoken openly about his desire to appear on the series. He said, “[I’m A Celebrity] is something I would never say no to, of course.

I think I said on the aftershow when Coleen was in the jungle, that was the one we’ve always watched and the one we both said if there was anything we’d do it’d be that.” He also mentioned “you never know in the future, but I’ve got other things I’m looking at at the minute,” indicating openness to multiple opportunities.

An ITV representative told *The * that “any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity are just speculation.” The production team remains tight‑lipped about the deal, with no official confirmation from Rooney’s representatives yet.

Meanwhile, the family is preparing for the release of their £10 million fly‑on‑the‑wall documentary later this month, adding another layer of media exposure to their summer plans.

## Background & Context

The ten‑part *I’m A Celebrity* series is scheduled to air on September 24, with cameras invited inside the Rooneys’ Cheshire home for unprecedented access. The show will follow Wayne as he swaps football management duties for school runs and the WAG’s capitalisation on her previous jungle success.

In 2024, Coleen finished as the runner‑up, which helped cement her popularity and led to a £5 million payment from Disney+, while the production company Lorton Entertainment received the remainder.

Coleen’s 2024 stint was highlighted by her record‑breaking £1.5 million fee – the highest in the show’s history to date. The family’s four sons are a central focus: Kai is eligible for a professional contract at Manchester United next season, having signed with super‑agent Triple S Sports in March.

His scholarship has kept him in the UK, whereas Klay, Kit and Cass would potentially join their dad and mother in Australia if the jungle contract materialises.

Earlier this year, Disney+ won a bidding war against Amazon for the rights to the show, paying a massive £10 million fee. The partnership has sparked a new era of high‑profile reality programming, with *I’m A Celebrity* drawing viewers by blending celebrity culture with survival challenges.

Rooney’s potential appearance would add a former football legend to that mix, potentially boosting ratings and merchandise sales.

## Analysis

If Rooney’s rumored talks turn into a confirmed contract, the implications for *I’m A Celebrity* are significant. A record fee would elevate the show’s profile, placing it in direct competition with other reality giants for audience attention.

The family dynamic—especially the presence of four teenage sons—could generate compelling narrative arcs that resonate with viewers seeking authenticity.

From a commercial perspective, the potential partnership could unlock additional revenue streams, from sponsorships to cross‑promotional opportunities linked to Rooney’s football brand and his wife’s growing media presence. the prospect of a UK‑based superstar competing in an Australian jungle might broaden the show’s appeal across both markets, potentially increasing viewership in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Yet, the move also carries risk. The intensity of jungle survival can be demanding on contestants’ mental health, and a high‑profile figure like Rooney would face scrutiny from both media and fans.

Additionally, the family’s existing commitments—such as Kai’s football scholarship and the upcoming documentary—could complicate scheduling and public perception.

Ultimately, the situation remains speculative until an official statement is released. While sources suggest that Rooney could become the most lucrative contestant ever on *I’m A Celebrity*, only time will tell if the negotiations close and how the family will balance their personal lives with the demands of a high‑profile reality show.

In any case, the potential pairing of Wayne and Coleen Rooney on *I’m A Celebrity* promises to deliver fresh excitement for fans of both football and reality television.