Coleen Rooney Considered Separation Amid Marital Strife in New Docuseries
The couple detail explosive rows, periods of silence, and the challenges of Wayne Rooney's post-football career in 'The Real Rooneys'.
Coleen Rooney revealed she contemplated separating from her husband, Wayne Rooney, during intense arguments, as detailed in their new £10 million fly-on-the-wall docuseries, 'The Real Rooneys.' The series, filmed last year and released on Disney+, offers an intimate look into the couple's family life with their four sons: Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight.
In candid interviews, Coleen admitted to considering separation after particularly explosive rows. "There are times when I think the answer to everything is to see what it's like if we are separated," she stated. The couple also disclosed that they can go for days without speaking to each other following disagreements. "We haven't spoke for four days, this is the first time we've talked," Wayne said at one point.
Coleen organized a romantic getaway to Scotland in an attempt to reconnect with Wayne. However, the trip was marred when Wayne kept Coleen waiting for two hours while he played golf and socialized with friends. Coleen expressed her frustration, stating, "You kept me waiting for two hours after you stayed to hang out with your mates in the clubhouse, that p***ed me off." Wayne attributed his lateness to the duration of a golf round and the subsequent clubhouse visit, a justification that did not appease Coleen.
Navigating Career Changes and Domestic Life
The series also touches upon Wayne's career transition following his dismissal from managerial positions at Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City. Coleen expressed the need for more household assistance from Wayne, noting, "Wayne is a good dad but he is a bit carefree and a bit careless. It does cause a few arguments." She described taking on the majority of domestic responsibilities, including organizing school runs and managing household chores, while Wayne was still adjusting to life at home.
Wayne reflected on the uncertainty of a career in football management, having been sacked from two clubs within a short period. He acknowledged the difficulty of the profession, where job security is unpredictable. "In management you don't know whether you'll be there a year, two years, 10 years or three months. You never know so you're not prepared when you lose the job," he explained. Coleen noted that losing his job at Plymouth was particularly challenging for Wayne, given his lifelong dedication to football.
Despite the challenges, Wayne conveyed that he is not solely focused on managing and is open to exploring other opportunities. "I get it I might not manage again and I get it and it's not an issue for me," he stated. He also shared his enduring passion for the game, recalling the unique exhilaration of scoring a goal and his need for a purpose, rather than spending all day at home.
Family Life and Their Lavish Home
The docuseries also highlights the couple's four sons. Kai, who is eligible for a professional contract with Manchester United, expressed his ambition to be recognized for his own achievements. Wayne noted Kai's strong drive and similarity to his own playing style. The parents also described the distinct personalities of Klay, Kit, and Cass, with Wayne humorously remarking about their growing family, "I did more [want a big family], then the more we had the less I wanted!"
Viewers are also given a tour of the Rooneys' £20 million Cheshire home, known as The Morrisons Mansion. Built on 50 acres, the property features a home cinema, indoor swimming pool, spa, wine cellar, and a private football pitch. Coleen described the house as her childhood dream, while Wayne noted his more minimalist design preferences, focusing on a game room and a snooker table.
The 10-part series, which debuted on September 24, explores the highs and lows of the Rooney family's life, including supporting Kai's football aspirations. Both Coleen and Wayne committed to showing authentic moments, both good and bad, for the reality show. They stipulated that their children could opt out of filming, and they avoided filming during an incident in Poland where the family was mobbed by fans, fearing the cameras might exacerbate the attention. A bidding war between Disney+ and Amazon for the rights resulted in Disney+ securing the series for a reported £10 million fee.