Wayne Rooney has shared that he would be open to taking part in hit ITV show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Rooney’s wife Coleen proved to be a hit with fans on last year’s series as she made it to the final alongside McFly’s Danny Jones and Reverend Richard Coles.
After Coleen finished runner-up last year, the former England striker has since spoken about the idea of him jetting off to Australia to take part in the show sometime in the future. Wayne understands what he would be signing up for after hearing all about the nerve-wracking bushtucker trials his wife took part in.
Rooney was manager at Plymouth Argyle during Coleen’s time in the jungle, reports The Mirror. Wayne was sacked by the then-Championship club in December 2024 and has since joined the BBC as a pundit.
The 39-year-old has already appeared on Match of the Day this season and regularly shares his view on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast.
However, Rooney has shared that he would be willing to join I’m A Celeb and even revealed his nightmare bushtucker trial. The dad-of-four also explained why it might be some time before he enters the show.
Rooney is planning to attend the National Television Awards alongside Coleen this Wednesday as I’m A Celeb is nominated for best reality competition. This prompted Rooney to be asked whether he would be keen to follow in Coleen’s footsteps.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney show, he shared: “Would I? I think I would, at the right time.” He added: “I’d struggle with some of the trials, though.
“You know the worst one, you know where they walk into a room…and there’s like a big ostrich looking at you. I didn’t [know he was scared of ostriches] but I’m just picturing them being there.”
After hearing Rooney’s admission, his co-host Kae Kurd said: “I reckon the producers of I’m a Celeb are watching this and just rubbing their hands at this opportunity.”
However, Rooney suggested that his punditry commitments could delay him heading into the jungle. “I can’t, can I? Because I wouldn’t be able to do the podcast in there, so I can’t do it,” he said.
A long list of footballers have appeared on the show across its 24 series. Lionesses hero Jill Scott was crowned the winner in 2022, while Ian Wright and Harry Redknapp are among the various football icons who have signed up for the show over the years.
Away from the idea of entering I’m A Celeb, Rooney has given his verdict on a recent debate involving himself and Michael Owen. Responding to a social media post asking which of the two was the better player at 17 years old, Owen presented various statistics to state his case before doubling down when speaking to Rio Ferdinand.
“I think his comments are fair,” Rooney said on his podcast. “Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself.
“But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside [for England and Manchester United].”