ITV I’m A Celebrity 2026 line-up ‘confirmed’ as Wayne Rooney joins cast of stars heading to jungle

The 40-year-old football icon is joined by an eclectic mix of television personalities, musicians, athletes and online creators.

Ant and Dec will return to present the series, which has been pushed back from its traditional Sunday evening launch due to ITV’s coverage of the England versus Spain UEFA Nations League fixture.

Mr Rooney’s decision to head Down Under follows in the footsteps of wife Coleen, who made it all the way to the final of the 2024 series, finishing as runner-up.

Sources indicate the former striker, who has moved into television punditry following his managerial career, is particularly motivated by the prospect of impressing his four sons through the Bushtucker Trials.

The signing represents a major coup for ITV, with insiders describing Mr Rooney as the biggest name the programme has ever secured.

Known for his fierce competitive streak throughout his playing days, the ex-England captain is said to be hoping he can match or surpass Coleen’s impressive showing two years ago.

Among the most recognisable names on the roster is Joanna Page, the 49-year-old actress beloved for her portrayal of Stacey Shipman in the BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey.

Paralympic basketball star Ade Adepitan, 53, will make history as the first campmate to use a wheelchair. The TV presenter, who lost the use of his left leg during infancy, became a household name through his appearances with Team GB.

Kaiser Chiefs vocalist Ricky Wilson has also been confirmed, with ITV reportedly having pursued the Ruby singer for several years. Comedian Leigh Francis, best known as his alter ego Keith Lemon, rounds out the more established names.

YouTuber Sharky – whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud – brings a significant online audience to the programme, with sources comparing his potential impact to that of former contestant Angry Ginge.

The remaining spots in camp belong to Love Island 2021 alumna Chloe Burrows, 30, who works as a KISS presenter and is understood to have held multiple meetings with production chiefs. Big Brother host AJ Odudu, 38, reportedly told ITV she was “keen as mustard” to secure a jungle berth after a quieter year professionally.

Broadcaster and Loose Women panellist Mariella Frostrup, 63, once rumoured to have dated George Clooney, completes the television contingent alongside Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney. Model Leomie Anderson arrives with reality experience, having previously taken part in Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix.

Comedian Jack Skipper is the final name on the list.