While the former England captain enjoys high-end amenities and room service, his co-stars—including Love Island star Chloe Burrows—have been put up in much more modest, self-catered apartments that cost up to £200 a night. A source close to the production told The Sun: "Wayne is enjoying his last few nights of luxury before entering the camp. He has caught a bit of the sun which has been a treat given the rain has been on and off since he arrived. Wayne is staying in a really nice hotel and will certainly miss it when he is sleeping in a hammock." Both Wayne and ITV representatives have been contacted for comment regarding his pre-show accommodation.
Ahead of the official launch of the hit ITV reality series on November 16, Wayne has been making the most of his downtime in Australia. On Wednesday, the former Manchester United and Everton star was spotted enjoying a relaxed lunch out during a low-key public outing. The sports pundit, who is reportedly commanding one of the highest paychecks in the entire line-up, was seen casually grabbing a coffee and placing his order while dressed in a smart polo shirt tucked neatly into a pair of shorts, completed with comfortable trainers. Despite his massive global fame, he took time out of his schedule to chat warmly with local fans and happily pose for selfies.
Wayne’s upcoming stint on the show sees him following closely in the footsteps of his wife, Coleen Rooney, 40, who famously finished as a runner-up in the 2024 series of the programme. Reports suggest that show bosses have offered Wayne an even more lucrative deal than Coleen, who herself secured a record-breaking £1.5 million for her memorable jungle stint.
When he enters the camp, the football icon will be joined by a diverse array of well-known personalities. This year’s cast features Joanna Page, Ade Adepitan, Sharky, Chloe Burrows, Ricky Wilson, AJ Odudu, Claire Sweeney, Jack Skipper, Mariella Frostrup, and Leomie Anderson, while entertainer Leigh Francis is widely expected to be a late arrival joining the camp at a later date.
Speaking candidly about his upcoming television adventure, Wayne admitted that the show represents a massive shift in his public profile. "This is probably the biggest exposure I’ve ever had, being on TV every night for three weeks," he said. He expressed a strong desire for viewers to see his authentic personality, describing himself as a "fun guy" who genuinely enjoys playing lighthearted pranks on people.
The sportsman has also cut a noticeably slimmer figure in recent months, following a significant and conscious overhaul of his lifestyle and fitness habits. Speaking to the Daily Mail last month, Wayne opened up about the hard work he has put into his health, firmly laughing off persistent online rumors and speculation that he had resorted to using weight-loss pen injections.
Addressing the unfounded claims directly, Wayne said: "Apparently I’ve seen recently I’ve been taking this pen thing about me. It’s a shame, because I’m working really hard to lose weight. Apparently I’ve been on the pen."
Following his retirement from professional football and his subsequent transition away from football management, Wayne has pivoted toward media punditry, podcasting, and broader television work. This career shift has ultimately allowed him to place a much greater emphasis on his personal health and his family life at home. Reflecting on his current mindset, he noted that he has successfully found a healthier balance, explaining that it has "helped me get back to a much better place."
He elaborated on the difficult period that followed his retirement from the pitch, admitting that he initially struggled to adapt. "When I stopped playing, I got in a rut, I was drinking too much and not getting into the routine of training and I just thought, ‘You know what I want to enjoy the time with the kids whilst they’re at this age, and with Coleen as well and I actually have been more present, more there for them.’"
In addition to his fitness journey, Wayne recently underwent a nose procedure, revealing that his wife Coleen was the one who originally encouraged him to go under the knife after he suffered a break while playing for DC United in the United States. While Coleen playfully noted that she pushed him to get the surgery done "because of his snoring," Wayne clarified the medical necessity, explaining, "I couldn’t blow one side out of my nose and so I had it fixed."
Admitting that he was still feeling "a little bit uncomfortable" in the immediate aftermath of the surgery, Wayne shared details about his recovery process ahead of his jungle debut. "It’s actually really lucky I’ve got no black eyes, but I’ve still got two plastic tubes up my nose, which are coming out very soon. I can’t wait for them to come out," he said. "So, they’ve cut here [under my nostrils]… So, that’s all stitched—a little bit uncomfortable."
Despite the physical discomfort and the impending challenge of sleeping in a basic hammock with minimal rations, Wayne has already emerged as the clear early favorite with bookmakers to win the entire competition. According to odds released by William Hill, the football legend leads the pack to be crowned King of the Jungle, currently sitting at odds of 11/4.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! officially kicks off on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Monday, November 16, when Wayne and his fellow campmates will officially leave their creature comforts behind to face the trials of the Australian wilderness.
