Wayne Rooney lands role in popular TV show

Wayne Rooney remains one of the most recognisable figures to have represented Manchester United, despite having stepped away from professional football several years ago.

The former England captain spent 13 seasons at Old Trafford, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.

He collected five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Europa League during an extraordinary spell at United.

Since retiring in 2021, Wayne Rooney has tried his hand at management, taking charge of Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle before returning to television as a pundit.

More recently, the 40-year-old has attracted attention for a significant change in his appearance, revealing that he has lost around six stone after cutting out alcohol, changing his diet and committing to regular exercise.

Rooney has also spoken about wanting to improve his health and spend more time with his wife and four sons.

Wayne Rooney lands role in popular TV show

Now, the former United captain is reportedly preparing for a very different challenge, with The Sun naming him among the 12 celebrities expected to appear in the 2026 series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

The programme is scheduled to return on November 16, with Ant and Dec hosting the celebrities as they swap their usual comforts for life in the Australian jungle.

Rooney is reportedly the show’s biggest-ever signing, with sources suggesting producers believe his profile and competitive personality could make him a major attraction.

He would be following his wife Coleen, who became one of the standout contestants in 2024 and finished as runner-up behind McFly singer Danny Jones.

Her popularity during the series has reportedly helped convince producers that Wayne could enjoy similar success.

The former footballer is said to be keen to take on the Bushtucker Trials and impress his four sons.

The reported line-up also includes Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, YouTuber Sharky, Love Island star Chloe Burrows, Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson, presenter AJ Odudu, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, model Leomie Anderson, actress Claire Sweeney, comedian Leigh Francis and stand-up comic Jack Skipper.

There is also a Manchester United connection to the show’s previous series.

AngryGinge, the popular YouTuber and lifelong United supporter whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, won the 2025 competition after becoming a fan favourite.