Wayne Rooney is expected to follow the I’m A Celeb rules before the show starts, but ITV can’t make him do it.
Wayne Rooney is getting ready to follow his wife Coleen by joining I’m A Celebrity later this month. But before he heads to the Australian jungle, he faces some special rules that make his situation a bit different from the other stars.
According to The Sun, Wayne, a Manchester United and England legend, is one of the 12 celebrities signed up for the 2026 show, which starts on November 16.
Before entering the jungle, he’ll have to complete several checks like a psychological test and tell the show’s bosses if there are any challenges he can’t do for medical reasons. But there’s one rule he might find tricky to follow.
Usually, contestants aren’t allowed to tell anyone about joining the show until ITV officially announces the lineup. They’re also not meant to ask past participants for advice about the jungle. But since Wayne lives with Coleen, a former contestant, he’s in a unique spot. ITV doesn’t seem too strict about this rule since it’s hard to enforce.
Wayne didn’t visit the camp while Coleen was on the show because he was busy managing Plymouth Argyle, but their kids Kit and Cass went with Coleen’s mom to Australia. So, Wayne likely knows some behind-the-scenes details that fans don’t see.
Actor Danny Thomas, who won I’m A Celebrity in 2022 and stars in Emmerdale, shared that he got tips from his friend and former contestant Adam Thomas. Adam also won I’m A Celeb South Africa earlier this year. “I talked to Adam about taking part since he’s one of my best friends,” Danny said. “I feel ahead because I asked him what it’s like.”
Martin Kemp appeared on I’m A Celeb in 2025, six years after his son Roman did. Martin said Roman gave him advice about camp life. Similarly, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, also a former contestant, said on Heart Radio that stars aren’t allowed to ask for too much advice.
Once Wayne is in the jungle, a new rule means he won’t have to do more than two trials in a row. He won’t be able to use his phone either, so winning a Dingo Dollar Challenge will be his only chance to catch football scores.
ITV hasn’t officially announced the 12 celebrities yet, but the full list has been leaked. Alongside Wayne are some familiar names like Joanna Page (from Gavin and Stacey), Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson, actress Claire Sweeney, and comedian Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon).
Breaking new ground, former Paralympic bronze medalist Ade Adepitan will be the first wheelchair user to join the show. ITV has been working on ways to make the camp accessible. Ade, 53, had polio as a child, affecting his legs. He uses a wheelchair because of paralysis in one leg and partial use of the other.
Here’s the full list of reported I’m A Celebrity 2026 stars:
– Ade Adepitan – TV presenter and former wheelchair basketball player
– Leomie Anderson – Model and TV presenter
– Claire Sweeney – Actress and singer
– Leigh Francis – Comedian and TV presenter
– Wayne Rooney – TV pundit, football manager, and former footballer
– Chloe Burrows – TV personality and radio presenter
– Ricky Wilson – Singer and Kaiser Chiefs frontman
– Joanna Page – Actress and TV panelist
– AJ Odudu – TV presenter
– Jack Skipper – Comedian
– Mariella Frostrop – Journalist and TV presenter
– Sharky – Social media star and member of ‘Beta Squad’
It’s shaping up to be a great season!