Wayne Rooney was photographed watching his son Kai participate in a Manchester United youth game on Tuesday, days before he is expected to depart for Australia to join the lineup for this year's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!"
Rooney, 41, was seen supporting his eldest son, 17, as his team played against AS Roma at Leigh Sports Village. The former footballer appeared freshly shaven and sported a navy baseball cap and black jacket.
This appearance comes as Rooney is reportedly set to be a contestant on the popular reality television show. According to odds from William Hill, he has emerged as an early favorite to win, with odds of 11/4. This follows in the footsteps of his wife, Coleen Rooney, who competed on the show in 2024.
A spokesperson for William Hill noted the pressure on Rooney, stating, "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."
Other rumored contestants include comedian Leigh Francis, actress Joanna Page, and social media star Sharky, all joint second with odds of 6/1, and Chloe Burrows at 9/1. At the other end of the betting market, Mariella Frostrup is listed at 25/1 and Leomie Anderson at 20/1.
"I'm a Celebrity" is scheduled to begin on November 16 at 9 p.m. ITV has confirmed the series start date. Other reported contestants for the upcoming season include Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, Big Brother host AJ Odudu, soap star Claire Sweeney, and comedian Jack Skipper.
Reports suggest that Rooney has been offered a significant fee for his appearance, potentially making it the largest in the show's 24-year history and exceeding the reported £1.5 million his wife received for her participation.
Rooney previously expressed interest in the show, saying in 2024, "[I'm A Celebrity] is something I would never say no to, of course. I think I said on the aftershow when Coleen was in the jungle, that was the one we've always watched and the one we both said if there was anything we'd do it'd be that."