Wayne Rooney 'gutted' over I'm a Celebrity 2025 lineup after Coleen return decision

Wayne Rooney has confessed he's having second thoughts about turning down the chance to appear on the upcoming series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, which launches this Sunday. The ITV show revealed its star-studded cast on Monday evening, featuring everyone from football legends and musicians to internet sensations and beloved personalities.

Shona McGarty, Kelly Brook, Martin Kemp, Eddie Kadi, Alex Scott, Ruby Wax, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Aitch, and Angry Ginge will all take part in the opening weekend of the programme's 25th series. The action will unfold in New South Wales, Australia, with presenting duo Ant and Dec overseeing 22 episodes.

Rooney had a chat with Angry Ginge, a well-known social media personality from Salford, prior to his jungle adventure.

The pair struck up a friendship last year when the YouTuber and Twitch content creator asked the Manchester United icon to join him and his mates for a game of EA FC 24, previously called FIFA, online.

Rooney immediately clicked with Angry Ginge, whose actual name is Morgan Burtwistle, along with other digital stars, including Ethan Payne from the Sidemen.

The Match of the Day analyst also developed a bond with Aitch, a musician from New Moston whose real name is Harrison Armstrong, through their involvement with 'Girth N Turf' - their FC 24 pro clubs squad.

Therefore, when Rooney learnt that both were heading into the jungle, he started questioning his choice not to join them.

The former England captain revealed: "I spoke to him last night and he was still in England, so I don't know if he is...

"No, Ginge is a brilliant lad and I've seen who's been linked as well, so if he is in there I'm sure he'll be really entertaining. If he's in it and Aitch is in it as well, I'm gutted that I didn't go in because I think the three of us could have been real fun in there.

"I'd be all right with the food situation, but I get bored, and some of the challenges, you know, the snakes and there was one a few years ago with the big ostrich. I wouldn't like that."

Coleen Rooney appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here last year and Wayne hinted that she could return, but an appearance this season is unlikely.

Wayne added: "I love the show and obviously Coleen was in it last year and maybe at some point but not this year, unfortunately."

Danny Jones was crowned King of the Jungle last year, narrowly securing the public vote.

Coleen, who came second, said: "Knowing that I have made it to the final makes me proud. I'm a proud mum, I'm a proud wife, I'm a proud daughter."

This year, Angry Ginge and Aitch will be hoping to make Wayne proud.

Speaking to ITV, the former said: "I've watched the show on the sofa with my mum ever since I was a kid. To take part in it this year is something I couldn't pass up on.

"But my whole life is spent on the phone. I've been away once for a week. And so, two to three weeks without it is going to be very educational to see how I will do."