The Real Rooneys: Coleen Reveals Near-Death Experience, Marital Strife

A new docuseries, "The Real Rooneys," released on Disney+ this week, provides a candid look into the lives of the prominent English couple, Wayne and Coleen Rooney. The series, which reportedly garnered a £10 million bidding war for rights, with Coleen earning an estimated £5 million, offers viewers an unprecedented insight into their marriage, family life, and professional endeavors.

Marital Tensions and Household Dynamics

Coleen Rooney revealed in the series that she has contemplated separating from her husband, Wayne, on multiple occasions due to explosive arguments. She described him as "careless" and admitted that they can go days without speaking. In one instance, after a holiday argument, Coleen candidly stated in a one-to-camera interview, "I'm hoping a break will help us to reconnect... That's if I don't kill him first." She also expressed a need for more help around the house, noting that Wayne, while a good father, can be "carefree and a bit careless," which leads to arguments.

Despite the challenges of raising their four sons—Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, 8—Wayne has stated they will not hire a nanny. He believes it is important for them to be present in their children's lives, despite the daily chaos. "It's tough but enjoyable," Wayne said. "You have some great moments, great memories with the kids and I wouldn't change it."

Childhood Health Scare

Coleen's mother, Colette McLoughlin, shared a deeply personal story about Coleen's childhood. When Coleen was three years old, she became seriously ill with encephalitis, a condition causing her brain to swell. "She couldn't talk, she couldn't walk, she couldn't speak, she was stumbling her words," Colette recounted. "When we got to Alder Hey hospital she ended up in a coma... 24 hours [were] touch and go." Following this near-death experience, Coleen had to relearn basic motor skills. This experience inspired Colette and her husband, Tony, to provide foster and respite care for children with special needs and disabilities.

Wayne's Emotional Side and Hidden Intellect

Contrary to a potentially stoic image, Wayne Rooney revealed a more emotional side, admitting he cries frequently, even over television programs. "I cry at everything anyway," he stated. The series also highlighted Wayne's intellect, with his eldest son Kai defending him against perceptions of being unintelligent. Kai described his father as someone who "always just whips out some random facts about history or something." Coleen added that Wayne was capable in school but lacked focus, with football being his sole interest.

The Rooney Residence

The documentary also features a tour of the Rooneys' £20 million Cheshire home, referred to as "The Morrisons Mansion." Built on 50 acres of farmland and completed in 2022, the sprawling estate was designed with the couple's sons in mind. Coleen described it as her childhood dream home, though she admitted that the sheer size of the house sometimes leads to her losing track of her children within its many rooms. Wayne expressed his disbelief at their current living situation, reflecting on their upbringing as "two kids from Croxteth."