Coleen Rooney is set to make waves as she prepares to enter the iconic jungle on ITV's reality show I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Reports suggest she has signed up for this year’s series, potentially commanding the highest fee ever for the show, surpassing Nigel Farage's £1.5 million from last season.
The 38-year-old wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has recently been thrust back onto the media's radar due to her high-profile legal battle with fellow footballer’s wife, Rebekah Vardy. This feud, which has grabbed significant headlines, is known as the Wagatha Christie scandal—named after Agatha Christie, the famous mystery author. During the trial, Rooney accused Vardy of leaking personal information to the press, which she claimed stemmed from posts on her private Instagram account.
After the court ruled substantially in Rooney's favor, Vardy was mandated to pay 90% of Rooney's legal fees. This ruling includes Vardy’s recent obligation to pay another £100,000 to Rooney, reinforcing the deepening rift between the two women.
According to sources, ITV hopes Coleen will share insights about her tumultuous relationship with Vardy and offer viewers personal anecdotes about her family life during her time on the show. "She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts," said one insider.
ITV appears to be banking on Coleen's participation to draw viewers this season, especially as she has reportedly expressed enthusiasm for the program and is known to watch it regularly with her children. "I’m A Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board," another insider noted.
Comparatively, Vardy previously participated on I’m A Celebrity back in 2017, where she was the third contestant voted off. She left the camp after showing visible emotion during her exit, hinting at how deeply these experiences affect the contestants.
Going beyond just entertainment, Coleen’s admission to the program raises plenty of eyebrows and questions. Many fans expect juicy revelations related to the court case, the behind-the-scenes drama, and her personal life with Wayne. It may also be the platform she needs to set the record straight after years of being embroiled in public disputes.
Besides the drama of Wagatha Christie, Coleen's campfire conversations are anticipated to be enlightening, touching on poignant moments from her life. I’m A Celebrity often transforms contestants, challenging their resilience, as they transition from luxury to survival mode within the Australian wilderness.
While ITV remains somewhat coy about confirming participants—stressing names mentioned are mere speculation—what is notable is the timing of the announcement. Less than a week after Vardy was ordered to pay additional costs, the focus shifts once more onto their rivalry, now with the added spectacle of reality television involvement. I’m A Celebrity has always thrived on drama and personality, and Coleen could be the linchpin for making this series one of the most talked-about yet.
Acclaimed singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, as well as Loose Women panellist Jane Moore, are also rumored to be joining the jungle this year. Such speculation fuels excitement as fans await official confirmation of the complete lineup.
Both Coleen and Rebekah have not shied from participating in media opportunities, with Coleen recently starring in her documentary series on Disney+ titled Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, which dives deep behind the curtains of the legal battles and public scrutiny she faced.
The past few months have certainly shaped not just the women involved, but also the discourse surrounding their public personas. Throughout the saga, Coleen has garnered acknowledgment for her composed approach amid the chaos—the very characteristics ITV hopes to showcase on the reality show.
“She’s got the potential to go all the way and win this,” remarked one TV insider, speaking to Coleen’s popularity and adaptability. Fans, now more than ever, are curious to see how her personality translates within the jungle environment, especially as she navigates through trials and tribulations away from her usual comforts.
What remains to be seen is how well Coleen will adjust to life among celebrities and whether she can leverage her past experiences to emerge victorious. With anticipation building for the series premiere, many are left wondering if the Wagatha Christie saga will continue to unravel as Coleen takes on the challenges of the jungle. ITV has certainly set the stage for one of the biggest reality television events of the year, with I’m A Celebrity poised to captivate audiences once again.
