England Icon is ‘In Talks’ to Join 2026 I’m a Celeb Cast For Record Fee

· GiveMeSport

Ex-Man Utd and England star is ‘in talks’ to become the highest-paid contestant in I’m a Celeb history

ITV bosses are believed to be ‘in talks’ with a former England international over the possibility of them becoming beloved British show I’m A Celeb’s highest-paid contestant ever.

There have been plenty of huge names in the jungle over the years, with the 2025 installment alone featuring former Lioness Alex Scott. In previous editions, other football household names to join the cast have included 2018 King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp, 2022 Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott, as well as Jimmy Bullard, Ian Wright and John Fashanu.

Sporting icons are usually among the most handsomely paid campmates on the Ant and Dec-hosted show, though the current holders of the title of highest-paid are UK politician Nigel Farage and Colleen Rooney, who were both reportedly paid a staggering £1.5 million for their appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Given the stature of this potential contestant, though, it is expected that ITV will have to fork out even more to secure his signature, with the retired player in question having racked up hundreds of appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League .

According to The Sun , Wayne Rooney is in advanced talks to follow in the footsteps of his wife, who was a runner-up in the 2024 installment.

Now 40, insiders claim ' Wazza ' is keen to impress his four sons by taking on the Bushtucker Trials down under, and would be the hit show’s biggest-ever signing. A source told the newspaper on Sunday morning:

> “Wayne [Rooney] is in advanced talks for I’m A Celebrity and if they secure him, he’ll be their biggest signing in the show’s history. Coleen proved to be hugely popular when she took part two years ago and bosses think Wayne is going to match her success. ITV have been in negotiations with him for some time and are thrilled that they’ve reached this stage.”

It is understood that Coleen is likely to join Wayne in Australia for support, alongside their youngest three sons - Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and eight-year-old Cass.

Rooney, one of the greatest players in Premier League history , revealed he was a huge fan of I’m A Celebrity when his wife of 18 years starred in it two years ago. Now, after seeing how much she enjoyed it - and the fact she was able to make friends for life - the pundit is ready to give it a shot himself.

Those close to Wayne said going on the show would highlight his quick wit, as seen by BBC viewers when he lambasted the half-time show at this year’s World Cup final. A friend said:

> “Wayne is incredibly funny. If you watched his punditry during the World Cup, he’s incredibly knowledgeable but he doesn’t mince his words.

> “He went viral after saying the half-time show was crap but that’s just Wayne. He’s honest and hilarious at the same time. Wayne would be brilliant in the line-up.”

As well as the 120-cap former England star, other stars approached this year include Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, 49, TV presenter and former Paralympian Ade Adepitan, 53, and Kaiser Chiefs’ frontman Ricky Wilson, 48.

Ex-Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, 35, and Love Islander Chloe Burrows, 30, are also in advanced talks, with many more celebrities expected to join them in the near future ahead of a November commencement.

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