Wayne Rooney has shown off his noticeably slimmer physique as he enjoyed a final meal before entering the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! camp ahead of the show’s launch on Monday.
The former England football captain, 41, was spotted on Friday wearing a fitted blue Lycra T-shirt, matching shorts and sliders as he stepped out for the meal.
Rooney’s latest appearance comes after several months of noticeable physical changes, following a lifestyle overhaul that has seen him lose a considerable amount of weight.
The former footballer has reportedly made his transformation a priority ahead of his appearance on the ITV reality show, where contestants will face weeks of challenges and limited food supplies.
Coleen Rooney Offers Husband Final Words of Advice
While Wayne prepares for his jungle adventure in Australia, his wife, Coleen Rooney, 40, was seen speaking on the phone as she shared some final words of advice with him.
Coleen previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2024, finishing as runner-up in the competition.
Her experience on the programme means she is familiar with the challenges awaiting her husband as he prepares to spend several weeks away from home.
Coleen was also spotted running errands in Cheshire, where she wore a padded faux-fur coat before heading to the gym.
Rooney Addresses Speculation About Weight-Loss Injections
Rooney’s changing appearance has attracted attention in recent months, with speculation suggesting he may have used weight-loss injections to achieve his slimmer figure.
However, the former Manchester United striker has dismissed the rumours, insisting that his progress has come from working hard in the gym and making changes to his lifestyle.
Speaking to the Daily Mail last month, Rooney joked about the speculation surrounding his transformation.
He said: “Apparently I’ve seen recently I’ve been taking this pen thing about me. It’s a shame, because I’m working really hard to lose weight. Apparently I’ve been on the pen.”
As part of his wider appearance transformation, Rooney has also undergone Invisalign dental treatment and a nose operation.
Nose Surgery Followed Injury From His Football Career
Rooney previously explained that his decision to undergo nose surgery was connected to an injury he sustained while playing for DC United in the United States.
He revealed that he had broken his nose during his playing career and had experienced difficulties breathing through one side.
According to Rooney, Coleen encouraged him to have the procedure, partly because of his snoring.
Coleen said: “I tried to get him to do it because of his snoring.”
Rooney explained that the operation was necessary because he could not properly clear one side of his nose.
Following the procedure, he admitted that he was experiencing some discomfort but was relieved that he had avoided bruising around his eyes.
He said: “It’s actually really lucky I’ve got no black eyes, but I’ve still got two plastic tubes up my nose, which are coming out very soon. I can’t wait for them to come out.”
He also explained that the surgeon had made incisions beneath his nostrils, leaving the area stitched and uncomfortable during his recovery.
Rooney Checks Into Luxury Hotel Ahead of Reality Show
Rooney was reportedly the first celebrity contestant to arrive at Brisbane Airport earlier this week.
Unlike some of his fellow contestants, the former footballer checked into a five-star hotel ahead of entering the jungle.
Other participants, including Love Island star Chloe Burrows, are reportedly staying in self-catered apartments, with accommodation costing as much as £200 per night.
Rooney is also said to be among the highest-paid contestants in this year’s line-up, with reports suggesting that ITV bosses have offered him more than the £1.5million Coleen reportedly received for her appearance in 2024.
Rooney Opens Up About Life After Football
Since stepping away from football management, Rooney has taken on several roles in television, punditry and podcasting.
He has also spoken about making his health and family life greater priorities since leaving the professional game.
Reflecting on the changes, he said he had found more balance and felt he was in a much better place.
Rooney admitted that after retiring from playing, he fell into an unhealthy routine involving excessive drinking and a lack of regular training.
He explained that he eventually decided to make changes so he could spend more meaningful time with Coleen and their children.
He said he wanted to enjoy their childhood years while being more present at home.
Rooney Says Jungle Appearance Will Be His Biggest Television Exposure
Ahead of his reality television debut, Rooney acknowledged that the programme would expose him to a much wider audience than he had previously experienced.
He said: “This is probably the biggest exposure I’ve ever had, being on TV every night for three weeks.”
The former footballer also expressed hope that viewers would get to know his personality beyond his sporting career.
“I hope people see I am a genuine person,” he said, describing himself as a fun person who enjoys playing pranks.
Full Celebrity Line-Up Revealed
Rooney will join a group of celebrities competing in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The confirmed line-up includes Joanna Page, Ade Adepitan, Sharky, Chloe Burrows, Ricky Wilson, AJ Odudu, Claire Sweeney, Jack Skipper, Mariella Frostrup and Leomie Anderson.
Leigh Francis is also expected to enter the jungle as a late arrival.
The new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Monday, November 16.
