Wayne Rooney speaks out ahead of wife Coleen's I’m A Celebrity debut

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

Former footballer Wayne Rooney has expressed his excitement for viewers to see the “real Coleen Rooney” on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

Speaking ahead of the show’s highly anticipated return, Wayne said he “can’t wait” for audiences to get to know his wife beyond the headlines.

The ITV r eality series, renowned for its daring trials and infamous eating challenges, kicks off its 2024 season this Sunday.

Joining Coleen in the jungle are Dancing On Ice judge and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, Loose Women's Jane Moore, and McFly star Danny Jones, promising an exciting lineup for fans.

Wayne shared an image of him with his wife and their four sons, Kai Wayne, Klay Anthony, Kit Joseph and Cass Mac, on Instagram on Sunday, and wrote: “Good luck to our mum who’s in the jungle for @imacelebrity.

“We’re missing you already but can’t wait to watch you do some trials (wink face emoji) and for people to see what you’re all about. The best. We love you @coleen_rooney.”

In the episode on Sunday, the celebrities will pair up and face challenges in a bid to become the leaders of the camp, with Rooney and BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough choosing to compete together.

The top dogs will get certain privileges, including being exempt from chores and sleeping in the leaders’ lodge.

Also in this year’s series is Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, BBC Radio 1 star Melvin Odoom, internet personality and Loose Women host GK Barry and former Irish boxer Barry McGuigan.

Before the show airs, ITVX released the Disney+ documentary Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story on its streaming service.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Rooney follows another wife of a former England footballer Rebekah Vardy – with whom she was embroiled in a high-profile libel battle – into the jungle. Vardy competed in the 17th series of the reality TV show in 2017.

Rooney was dubbed Wagatha Christie when she accused Vardy, who is married to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, of leaking her private information to The Sun in a viral post on social media.

In July 2022, a judge at the High Court found the post was “substantially true”.

During Vardy’s stint, she became the third celebrity to leave, saying the series helped her become more tolerant.

This year, there have been no politicians announced or rumoured to be taking part, after former health secretary Matt Hancock and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage joined the show in the previous two years.

Mr Hancock, who competed in 2022, and Mr Farage, who took part in 2023, became finalists of their respective seasons.

There have been reports that Love Island star Maura Higgins and the Rev Richard Coles – a former BBC presenter, ex-member of The Communards and author – will join at a later stage.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returns on Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.