Plymouth manager and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has shared an emotional message of support for his wife Coleen as she prepares to make her debut on ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ The football icon took to Instagram with a heartwarming family photo featuring himself, Coleen, and their four sons, marking a poignant moment before her highly anticipated appearance on one of Britain’s most-watched reality shows.
The former England captain’s touching Instagram post captured the family’s united front, with Wayne writing, “Good luck to our mum who’s in the jungle for I’m A Celeb. We’re missing you already but can’t wait to watch (you do some trials) and for people to see what you’re all about. The best. We love you, Coleen.” His playful reference to the show’s notorious trials hints at the challenging adventures awaiting his wife in the Australian wilderness.
This new chapter for the Rooney family comes at an interesting time, with Wayne currently navigating his managerial career at Plymouth while Coleen embarks on what promises to be one of her most challenging public appearances to date. The timing and nature of her participation have generated significant interest, particularly given the substantial financial investment reportedly made by ITV to secure her participation, making her one of the highest-paid celebrities in the show’s history.
In a revealing interview with The Mirror before her departure for Australia, Coleen shared insights into the family’s arrangements during her time away. In a decision that highlights the delicate balance between family commitments and career opportunities, only the couple’s two youngest children will join their mother in Australia. The older boys have chosen to remain in England to maintain their educational and sporting commitments, demonstrating the practical considerations that even high-profile families must navigate.
Coleen explained the situation with characteristic frankness: “My two youngest ones are coming over. They all had the option but the two older ones decided that they would stay at home to continue with school and football.” She further elaborated on the scheduling challenges, noting that uncertainty about her duration on the show influenced the decision, as a successful run could mean extended time away from family.
The WAG’s participation in ‘I’m A Celebrity’ marks a significant departure from her usual public role. While she has long been in the public eye as Wayne Rooney’s wife and a successful personality in her own right, this venture into reality television represents a new challenge. The show, known for its grueling trials and emotional challenges, will present Coleen in a different light to the British public, away from the glamour typically associated with football’s elite circles.
The timing of her appearance coincides with Wayne’s own professional transition, as he continues to establish himself in management at Plymouth. This parallel journey of both Rooneys taking on new challenges in their respective fields adds an intriguing dimension to their public narrative.
When the show premieres tonight at 9 pm GMT on ITV, viewers will get their first glimpse of how Coleen adapts to the jungle environment. The program, famous for putting celebrities through physically and mentally demanding challenges, will test her resilience while offering audiences a more intimate perspective on one of Britain’s most well-known WAGs.
The absence of the older Rooney children from Australia underscores a reality faced by many high-profile families: the challenge of balancing career opportunities with family commitments. Their decision to prioritize education and football commitments over the chance to be in Australia reflects the grounded approach that has characterized the Rooneys’ parenting style, despite their celebrity status.
As Coleen begins her jungle adventure, she does so with the full support of her family back home, demonstrating that even as they pursue individual opportunities, the Rooneys remain a tight-knit unit. Wayne’s public message of support, combining affection with gentle humor about the trials ahead, provides a touching glimpse into their family dynamic as they navigate this new chapter in their public life.
