Alan Shearer backs Wayne Rooney for jungle stint as BBC star watches
On 25 October 2026 at 06:00, Sport journalist Tom Victor reported that former England striker Alan Shearer has backed Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney to join the reality series I’m a Celebrity, describing the potential jungle stint as “really, really interesting”. Shearer’s endorsement adds fresh fuel to the rumour.
Rooney’s possible jungle debut
Rooney’s wife Coleen appeared on I’m a Celebrity in 2024, finishing as runner‑up in a series won by Danny Jones of McFly. The former Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle manager has also been linked to a future appearance, acknowledging September speculation without dismissing it. Here the footballing link fuels talk of a second Manchester United star joining the show.
Shearer’s comments and other footballers
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “If Wayne Rooney goes into the I’m a Celebrity Jungle, he will just tell it how it is… I think that’s why it’ll be really, really interesting.” He added that Rooney is “a great lad” who would get on with fellow contestants. Shearer ruled himself out but named 56‑year‑old BBC pundit Micah Richards as an ideal candidate, noting the former analyst has spoken about moving away from TV punditry over the summer.
Former footballers such as Neil Ruddock, Rodney Marsh, Jimmy Bullard, Kieron Dyer, Wayne Bridge and Ian Wright have all featured in past jungle line‑ups. Only two footballers have ever won the show: Harry Redknapp, who triumphed in series 18, and Lionesses star Jill Scott, who claimed series 22. Scott told that the experience was “one of the best things I’ve ever done”, but she would not return, adding she “won’t wanna be eating goat’s testicles any time soon”.
The programme’s tagline “Get Me Out of Here!” has become a catch‑phrase among football fans, who often debate the merits of reality TV cross‑overs. As the speculation grows, the football community watches closely to see whether the Manchester United legend will indeed trade the pitch for the jungle.