Rooney in the Jungle? ITV eye record-breaking deal for England icon

Wayne Rooney is being lined up for a record-smashing stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, with ITV locked in advanced talks to land the former England captain for the 2026 series, according to reports. If it gets over the line, we’re not just talking a marquee name — we’re talking the biggest fee in the show’s history.

ITV ready to break the bank

Per tabloid whispers, ITV are prepared to push past previous top fees to secure Rooney, a Manchester United great with hundreds of Premier League appearances and 120 England caps. Recent headline signings have reportedly commanded around £1.5m, but Rooney’s pulling power would likely nudge that figure higher.

The Sun claims Rooney, now 40, is keen to dazzle his four lads by taking on the Bushtucker Trials down under. Coleen is said to be ready to fly out in support, with Klay (13), Kit (10) and Cass (8) likely to join the family entourage. As ever with jungle casting, none of it’s done until the ink’s dry — but ITV’s excitement is said to be palpable.

Why Rooney would be TV gold

We’ve already seen the TV version of Wazza: blunt, funny, and not fussed about ruffling feathers. He went viral during this year’s World Cup final for a no-nonsense half-time verdict — classic straight-talking Rooney. That edge plays brilliantly in camp, where viewers warm to honesty, humour and a bit of needle when the beans run low.

On the football front, the CV speaks for itself: Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, a Premier League great, and a leader who’s seen it all. Drop that stature into a hammock and you’ve got instant authority — and must-watch telly when the critters come calling.

Footballers and the jungle: a winning combo

The show’s had a soft spot for the beautiful game. Harry Redknapp charmed the nation to win in 2018, Jill Scott bossed the camp to be crowned in 2022, and we’ve seen the likes of Ian Wright, Jimmy Bullard and John Fashanu muck in. The 2025 series is expected to feature former Lioness Alex Scott, underlining how football remains box office for Ant and Dec’s jungle carnival.

Who else is in the frame?

Alongside Rooney, names in the rumour mill include Gavin & Stacey favourite Joanna Page, TV presenter and former Paralympian Ade Adepitan, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, ex-Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, and Love Island’s Chloe Burrows. As ever, more will be added to the mix as November nears and the deals get inked.

Pundit’s verdict

If ITV land Rooney, it’s box office — simple as that. He’s candid, competitive and quietly funny, the exact recipe that turns decent campmates into fan favourites. Expect big ratings, bigger headlines, and a mega payday to match. And if you’re the type to size up the market chatter, fans and the best betting sites are already speculating on whether Wazza will take to the trials like a duck to water or a striker to a six-yard tap-in.

Either way, if the deal gets done, the jungle just found its main event.