Wayne Rooney has been spotted watching his eldest son, Kai, play for Manchester United’s youth team as the former England captain prepares to travel to Australia for the latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
The 41-year-old was among the spectators at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday, where Kai’s team faced AS Roma.
Rooney watched the match from the stands, taking time to support his 17-year-old son before his reported departure for the reality television programme.
He appeared freshly shaven and wore a navy baseball cap and black jacket.
Rooney Leads Early Betting to Become King of the Jungle
Rooney has emerged as the early favourite to win this year’s series, according to betting odds published by William Hill.
The former footballer is priced at 11/4, putting him ahead of the other contestants in the betting market.
Comedian Leigh Francis, Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page and social media personality Sharky are joint-second at 6/1. Chloe Burrows completes the top five with odds of 9/1.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said Rooney would face pressure because his wife, Coleen, came close to winning the programme in 2024.
He said: “There’s a decent bit of pressure on Wayne Rooney to deliver in the Jungle, particularly with Coleen having come so close to winning the show in 2024.
“At 11/4, he’s made a strong start in the betting and is the early name to beat.”
At the other end of the betting market, Mariella Frostrup is priced at 25/1, while Leomie Anderson has odds of 20/1.
I’m A Celebrity Confirms November 16 Launch
ITV has confirmed that the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will begin on Monday, November 16, at 9pm.
Rooney is expected to travel to Australia ahead of the launch to acclimatise and begin filming.
The confirmed line-up also includes Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Paralympian and television personality Ade Adepitan, Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, soap actress Claire Sweeney and comedian Jack Skipper.
Rooney Reportedly Offered Record-Breaking Appearance Fee
The former Manchester United and England star is reportedly set to receive the biggest appearance fee in the programme’s 24-year history.
Producers are said to have offered him more than the amount paid to his wife, Coleen, who reportedly earned a record-breaking £1.5 million for appearing on the show in 2024.
Coleen came close to winning that series, with her appearance attracting considerable attention before her husband was linked to a place in the following edition.
Rooney Previously Expressed Interest in Joining the Show
Rooney had spoken publicly about the possibility of appearing on I’m A Celebrity before reports emerged of his participation.
Last year, he said he would not rule out taking part, explaining that the programme was one he and Coleen had regularly watched.
“[I’m A Celebrity] is something I would never say no to, of course,” he said.
He added that he had discussed the possibility during the aftershow when Coleen was in the jungle, but said he was considering other opportunities at the time.
