Wayne Rooney's unusual phobia emerges ahead of I'm a Celeb appearance appearance

Wayne Rooney has an unusual phobia that he will be hoping he does not stumble across during the jungle after being revealed as the 2026 headliner for I'm a Celebrity.

Manchester United's record goalscorer has been focusing on punditry following a disappointing spell in management with Derby County, D.C United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.

The ITV reality show returns on November 16 and according to The Sun, Rooney will be part of the star-studded line-up when it is officially announced by ITV.

Wayne Rooney's phobia emerges ahead of I'm a Celeb appearance

Arguably the biggest signing in the show's history, he follows on from his wife Coleen after she reached the final in 2024.

One of England's greatest ever players, Rooney has a lot of qualities that could see him thrive in Bushtucker trials and challenges.

But the 41-year-old has already revealed his phobia to be large fish following an admission.

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During an appearance on punditry for BBC in a FA Cup clash between Brighton and Nottingham Forest, host Gary Lineker stated: "We still got a little time to talk. What we did learn during that first half was that Wayne Rooney's scared of fish."

Rooney explained: "I just don’t like them. It’s the big fish that I’m scared of."

Rooney's kids are said to be ecstatic about watching him take on the jungle and he will be hoping to become the second ever footballer to win the show.

Lioness legend Jill Scott made history when she was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2022.

John Fashanu came close when he finished 2nd in 2003, while in 2015 Kieron Dyer was fourth - the same place David Ginola finished in 2021.

Ian Wright came eighth during his appearance in 2019, while Jimmy Bullard, Harry Redknapp and Wayne Bridge are other notable names in football to participate.

Rooney's other half Coleen reportedly received £1.5 million for her appearance two years ago, with it expected that the former Everton star's fee will surpass that.

ITV to adapt camp for historic appearance for Paralympian

As per rumours, Rooney is not the only sportsman to be heading Down Under. That's because Ade Adepitan, former wheelchair basketball player, has signed up.

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The 53-year-old won bronze at the 2004 Athens Paralympics when he represented Great Britain and a year later he claimed gold at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup.

Adepitan, who received an MBE for his services to disability sport, lost the use of his left leg after contracting polio when he was just 15 months old.

He will become become the first I'm a Celeb contestant with a wheelchair to appear. ITV will therefore adapt the camp to help Adepitan get around, while some trials involving him would likely have to be modified in some way.