Coleen Rooney’s debut on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has sparked plenty of chatter, not just due to her high-profile background but also because of some cheeky jabs at her infamous "Wagatha Christie" trial. Yesterday’s episode kicked off with exciting twists, laughter, and of course, the familiar chaos expected from this reality TV classic.
Wayne Rooney expressed his unwavering support for Coleen as she braves the jungle, taking to Instagram hours before the show’s premiere. He shared heartfelt family photos and wished her luck, saying, "Good luck to our mum who’s in the jungle for @imacelebrity! We’re missing you already but can’t wait to watch you tackle those trials and show everyone your true self! We love you @coleen_rooney.”
Entering the camp wasn’t without its hurdles for the contestants. The first episode had Coleen joining forces with Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough to tackle the initial challenge - which, to their dismay, saw them capsizing their canoe within moments. The task involved racing to retrieve keys hidden inside "Hell Holes" filled with creepy crawlies, which had everyone squirming and squealing. GK Barry captured attention with her hilarious reaction to finding cockroaches sticking to her clothes—a quick scream followed by, "There’s one in my pants!” was the highlight of the hour for many viewers.
The episode was not short on stunts either, featuring daring skydiving entries from several celebrities like Danny Jones and Tulisa Contostavlos, leaving those on the beach including Coleen and others anticipating their turn. When Dean had the choice of partners, his decision to pair with Coleen drew laughs when he referred to her as "Wagatha Christie"—an iconic nod to her legal battle with Rebekah Vardy. His quip, "Melvin, I’m so so sorry! Wagatha Christie, you’re coming with me!" won him brownie points on social media.
Coleen and Dean’s adventure wasn’t smooth sailing; they bravely faced challenges only to find their boat filled with water before they could get their bearings. Dean’s response was comedic gold, saying, "On the sign, it said choose your boat wisely, and now we know why!" The banter, mixed with the unexpected mishaps, set the stage for what promises to be an entertaining season filled with plenty of grit, humor, and unforeseen encounters.
The viewership numbers for the premiere were solid, with ITV announcing last night’s episode peaked at eight million viewers, consistent with the previous year but down by two million compared to 2022. Nevertheless, it was noted to be the biggest ITV overnight audience outside of sporting events so far this year. Fans are already buzzing, particularly singling out Dean McCullough as a potential favorite after his witty comments. Meanwhile, viewers eagerly await to see which celebrity will be chosen for the next Bushtucker Trial called Vile Volcano.
The lure of I’m A Celebrity also includes its hefty payment packages. Reports suggest Coleen Rooney earned an eye-watering £1.5 million—marking her as the highest-paid contestant the show has ever seen, according to TV insiders. The amount is no surprise considering the past seasons where rates have fluctuated significantly based on fame and popularity, including previous contestants like Nigel Farage and Noel Edmonds receiving substantial fees ranging from £600,000 to figures approaching £500,000.
While fame might pay, the stakes are high. If contestants cannot spend at least three days within the jungle, they might lose their entire fee, which has led to narratives around the contestants' perseverance and willingness to embrace the wild side of reality TV. The allure of being crowned King or Queen of the Jungle adds to the stakes but it seems riches come at the cost of experiencing the often grim tasks and trials dug out of the Australian terrain.
Coleen’s participation has rekindled public interest not only in her but also the other renowned personalities vying for the public’s affection and votes. Joining her is fellow celebrity castmates such as Tulisa, Alan Halsall, Danny Jones, and the lively GK Barry. Each episode promises to deliver not just competitions and wild antics but perhaps soul-touching moments and insight from the campmates, as anticipation builds each night leading up to the nightly reveals and voting outcomes.
Certainly, as I’m A Celebrity progresses through its season, fans are left to guess who will emerge victorious and those whose antics will leave them fodder for comedy well beyond this season’s episodes. This mixture of laughter and unexpected twists, solidly set against exotic backdrops, guarantees to keep audiences glued to their screens and glued to their social media feeds as reactions roll out with each amusing trial and heartwarming confession, delivering weekly doses of excitement, entertainment, and perhaps even some surprising revelations about the campmates' lives away from the jungle.
Coleen’s initial trials have set the bar high, but it seems there's plenty of room for surprises as she and her fellow contestants navigate the trials of their jungle adventure. Will her resilience shine through the chaos? What truths will spill over the campfire? With nightfall drawing near, one thing’s certain—viewers are all eyes on the jungle and the captivating life of Coleen Rooney!
