Wayne Rooney leads I'm A Celeb line-up as ITV confirms 16 Nov start

Wayne Rooney has emerged as the early favourite to be crowned King of the Jungle, according to the Daily Mail ^[1]. The former England captain, 41, leads the William Hill betting market with odds of 11/4, ahead of comedian Leigh Francis, Joanna Page and social media star Sharky, who are joint-second at 6/1.

The Daily Star reported ^[3] that Rooney is keen to impress their four sons by surviving the Australian bush. This follows his wife Coleen’s runner-up finish in 2024, with insiders suggesting bosses expect Wayne to match her success. The ITV show is confirmed to launch on Monday, November 16 at 9pm, hosted by Ant and Dec.

The full line-up includes Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, and Love Island star Chloe Burrows. Ade will make history as the first contestant to use a wheelchair, with producers reportedly adapting the camp layout to accommodate him. Victoria’s Secret model Leomie Anderson and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson also join the cast.

Reports suggest Wayne has bagged the show’s biggest fee in its 24-year history. While Coleen earned a record-breaking £1.5 million two years ago, the Daily Mail ^[1] indicates Wayne’s offer exceeds this figure. This comes after the family’s £10 million documentary series, The Real Rooneys, aired last month, offering fans an intimate look at their domestic life.

Wayne has undergone a noticeable transformation recently, including cosmetic adjustments to his nose and smile. He clarified that his recent weight loss was due to hard work, denying widespread rumours that he had been using Ozempic. The couple also discussed his nose job, which Wayne explained was medically necessary after an injury sustained while playing for DC United, rather than purely cosmetic.

At the other end of the betting market, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup is the least-fancied selection at 25/1. The series aims to blend high-profile celebrities with younger influencers like Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, to attract a broader audience. Viewers will soon discover if Rooney can deliver in the jungle, or if the pressure of his wife’s previous near-victory proves too much.