Wayne Rooney Lands in Australia for I'm A Celebrity 2026 as Full Line-Up Revealed

Wayne Rooney has touched down in Australia. The former Manchester United and England captain was photographed landing at Brisbane airport ahead of the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, becoming the first star to arrive for the 2026 series. Two years after his wife Coleen finished as runner-up, Rooney is set to follow her into the jungle — and bookmakers have already made him the favourite to go one better and be crowned King of the Jungle.

The Short Answer: Is Wayne Rooney Going on I’m A Celebrity 2026?

Yes — according to multiple reports, Wayne Rooney has landed in Australia for the 2026 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, which returns on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. The full 12-person line-up has been reported by The Sun and widely covered, but ITV has not yet officially confirmed the campmates, saying suggested names are “just speculation” until the official announcement closer to launch.

Rooney’s Arrival in Australia

Rooney, 41, was spotted at Manchester Airport on Sunday before his long-haul flight, dressed in an understated all-black outfit. He has now landed in Australia, where photographers captured him at Brisbane airport. Asked about his reasons for the trip, he refused to give anything away — but he did admit: “I’ve never been to Australia.” He smiled when asked about the jungle karaoke and camp singalongs, a small hint of the personality viewers can expect in camp.

He is the first star to arrive in Australia ahead of the new series, and his presence is already the biggest story of the series before a single Bushtucker Trial has been filmed. Reports describe him as the show’s biggest-ever signing, with sources suggesting producers believe his profile and competitive personality could make him a major attraction. According to Ladbrokes, he is currently the favourite to win, at odds of 9/4.

Following in Coleen’s Footsteps

Rooney’s jungle adventure comes two years after his wife Coleen finished as runner-up in the 2024 series, beaten in the final by McFly singer Danny Jones. Coleen, who reportedly earned a record-breaking £1.5 million for her appearance, became one of the standout contestants of her series — and reports suggest Rooney has been offered an even bigger fee than his wife received.

The couple’s four sons are said to be a big motivation for Rooney’s decision. Sources have said he wants to show his boys what their dad can do, and that he has joked about giving Coleen “a run for her money.” Coleen has described her husband as “funny and laid-back,” while identifying impatience and a short temper as potential challenges for him in camp. The couple recently returned to the spotlight with the release of their fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Real Rooneys.

The Reported Full I’m A Celebrity 2026 Line-Up

According to The Sun, 12 celebrities are heading into the jungle for the 26th series. The reported line-up is:

Wayne Rooney — former Manchester United and England footballer, now a TV pundit
Joanna Page — Gavin & Stacey actress, best known as Stacey Shipman
Claire Sweeney — actress and TV presenter
Ade Adepitan — wheelchair basketball legend and Paralympian
Ricky Wilson — Kaiser Chiefs frontman
Chloe Burrows — KISS presenter and Love Island star
AJ Odudu — TV presenter
Mariella Frostrup — broadcaster
Leomie Anderson — model and former Victoria’s Secret Angel
Leigh Francis — comedian, also known as Keith Lemon
Sharky — YouTuber
Jack Skipper — stand-up comedian

ITV has not officially confirmed any of these names. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity are just speculation.” But by this stage of the build-up, most rumoured signings tend to prove accurate, and the official confirmation is expected in the days before launch.

When Does I’m A Celebrity 2026 Start?

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returns on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. The launch has been pushed slightly later than usual — the show has historically begun on a Sunday night. Ant and Dec return as hosts for the 26th series, which runs for around three weeks.

The spin-off show I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked also returns, airing live on ITV2 and ITVX, hosted by Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers. Last year’s series was won by AngryGinge, who was crowned King of the Jungle ahead of stars including Manchester rapper Aitch, Jack Osbourne and Ruby Wax.

Can Rooney Go One Better Than Coleen?

That is the storyline ITV will be banking on. Coleen proved hugely popular in 2024, and insiders believe Wayne can match — or beat — her success. His competitive streak is well documented: he has said he hates losing and will give the jungle his all, from Bushtucker Trials to camp life. But the jungle has humbled plenty of sporting greats before him, and three weeks of rice and beans, creepy crawlies and public votes is a very different test from a football pitch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does I’m A Celebrity 2026 start?

The 26th series starts on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. Ant and Dec return as hosts.

Has Wayne Rooney arrived in Australia for I’m A Celebrity?

Yes. Rooney was photographed landing at Brisbane airport ahead of the new series, becoming the first star to arrive in Australia. He was spotted at Manchester Airport on Sunday before his flight.

Who is in the I’m A Celebrity 2026 line-up?

The reported 12-person line-up includes Wayne Rooney, Joanna Page, Claire Sweeney, Ade Adepitan, Ricky Wilson, Chloe Burrows, AJ Odudu, Mariella Frostrup, Leomie Anderson, Leigh Francis, Sharky and Jack Skipper. ITV has not officially confirmed the cast yet.

How did Coleen Rooney do on I’m A Celebrity?

Coleen Rooney finished as runner-up in the 2024 series, losing the final to McFly singer Danny Jones. She reportedly earned a record-breaking £1.5 million for her appearance.

Who is favourite to win I’m A Celebrity 2026?

Wayne Rooney is the bookmakers’ favourite, with Ladbrokes pricing him at 9/4 to be crowned King of the Jungle.

Where is I’m A Celebrity filmed?

The show is filmed in the Australian jungle in New South Wales, with the camp set in the rainforest near Murwillumbah.

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