Coleen Rooney has broken her silence on the rumours she could be ruled out of a string of I’m A Celebrity challenges after detailing her agonising health condition.
The 38-year-old WAG is gearing up for her hugely anticipated appearance on the ITV series which kicks off November 17 and wraps up December 8.
Ahead of her jungle stint, rumours have been swirling that Coleen could be exempt from some Bushtucker Trials as she has reactive arthritis, which affects the joints and is set off by stress.
The star previously shared that she suffered a crippling bout of the condition due to the stress of her Wagatha Christie legal battle with Rebekah Vardy.
However, Coleen has cleared up the speculation that it could hold her back in a video message shared with her one million Instagram followers – and revealed that nothing will be off limits.
Coleen Rooney has broken her silence on the rumours she could be ruled out of a string of I’m A Celebrity challenges after detailing her agonising health condition
The 38-year-old WAG is gearing up for her hugely anticipated appearance on the ITV series which kicks off November 17 and wraps up December 8
She gushed: ‘I would like to experience it, something different, do something for myself, meet new people. I’m looking forward to doing the trials.
‘There’s been a lot of news saying that I can’t do trials because of certain illnesses but I can confirm I can do every trial, so I am not excluded from any, that was just a load of rubbish.’
Before Coleen’s video, it was reported that ITV medics would help to ease her symptoms if she were to suffer a flare-up during her time in the jungle.
A source previously told The Sun: ‘The duty of care on I’m A Celeb is second to none and over the years the cast have been ruled out of challenges for a string of different reasons.
‘Some might have seemed trivial to viewers but the health and happiness of the celebs is of execs’ utmost concern. Coleen’s reactive arthritis being triggered by stress means execs want to wrap her in cotton wool and keep her happy and healthy.’
‘The condition is currently under control so at this stage it’s a ”could be” ruled out rather than a ”will be”. But her physical health will be monitored and, if she suffers a flare-up, her ability to perform each trial will be considered on a case-by-case basis.’
In 2019 Coleen accused her former close friend Rebekah of leaking private stories about her to the British press, something that the latter continues to deny.
Speaking to the camera for part of her docu-series The Real Wagatha Story in 2023, Coleen revealed the May 2022 court case triggered her reactive arthritis, which causes redness, swelling and inflammation in the joints.
Coleen has cleared up the speculation that it could hold her back in a video message shared with her one million Instagram followers – and revealed that nothing will be off limits
Speaking to the camera for part of her docu-series The Real Wagatha Story in 2023, Coleen revealed the May 2022 court case triggered her reactive arthritis
In 2019 Coleen accused her former close friend Rebekah (pictured in 2019) of leaking private stories about her to the British press, something that the latter continues to deny
She said: ‘It caused anxiety and there were lots of tears. I have reactive arthritis. I’ve had it previously but this situation brought it on a lot more.
‘It stripped me of my character and I didn’t want to socialise with people. I was completely in my own world. It was not a nice place to be.’
The WAG continued: ‘It hit home just how low I was at that time. My emotions really came out and that made the interview process quite intense, but then it was also a good chance to reflect.
‘I stuck to my guns from beginning to end. My story never changed from day one, and I was telling the truth.’
Elsewhere in the new Instagram video, Coleen, who admitted she was anxious to leave her four sons behind to go Down Under and shared the vast list of instructions she has left behind to those looking after her children.
The mother of four mentioned in the new Instagram video that a ‘village’ would be looking after her boys during the time she is away.
Coleen shares her children, Kai, 13, Klay, 10, Kit, seven, and Cᴀss, five, with her husband and former professional footballer Wayne Rooney.
She did not mention her husband Wayne, who lives away from the family home as the manager of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
Elsewhere in the new Instagram video, Coleen, who admitted she was anxious to leave her four sons behind to go Down Under and shared the vast list of instructions she has left behind
She did not mention her husband Wayne, who lives away from the family home as the manager of Championship side Plymouth Argyle
Revealing two huge whiteboards in her dining room, Coleen revealed she had covered them with her children’s schedules ‘on both sides’.
Speaking to the camera, Coleen said: ‘I am really anxious about leaving the kids, that’s my biggest thing, for weeks and months that’s been on my mind.
‘But I’ve come to terms with it and I’ve planned and prepped, I’ve got an army of people – family and friends – school friends all helping out with the kids. They are going to be fine, they’ll probaby have a great time.
‘I’ve prepped as you can see, behind me, that is literally front and back four weeks of timetables, football runs, parties and everything.’
Revealing the sweet token she left at home for them, she said: ‘Before I wrote them all a little card each when they get home from school tomorrow and a little teddy each so they know I am constantly thinking of them.’
Earlier in the video, Coleen said: ‘Hi everyone, this seems so weird because I never come on here and do videos like this. But I just wanted to come on and say something, I am in my pyjamas – the kids are in bed and their bags and uniforms are ready, I am taking them to school tomorrow and then I am heading to the airport.
‘A lot of you might have heard and there has been a lot of speculation, but I can confirm I am going into the jungle.
‘They’ve asked me for so many years but I’ve always said no because the kids are so young, but this year I thought you know what, I quite fancy it.’
Coleen shares her children, Kai, 13, Klay, 10, Kit, seven, and Cᴀss, five, with her husband and former professional footballer Wayne Rooney
She continued: ‘While I’m away, friends are taking over my social media so hopefully they keep you updated’
WHAT IS REACTIVE ARTHRITIS?
Reactive arthritis is a condition that causes redness and swelling (inflammation) in various joints in the body, especially the knees, feet, toes, hips and ankles.
It usually develops after you’ve had an infection, particularly a Sєxually transmitted infection or food poisoning.
In most cases, it clears up within a few months and causes no long-term problems.
Men and women of any age can get it, but it’s more common in men, and people aged between 20 and 40.
The most common symptom of reactive arthritis is pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and tendons, most commonly the knees, feet, toes, hips and ankles.
SOURCE: NHS
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She continued: ‘While I’m away, friends are taking over my social media so hopefully they keep you updated. I am looking forward to it, it’s going to be a massive change, sleeping outside and not having items with me.
‘But I’m looking forward to having some time to think about things and reflect, which I never have time to do that much because I’m always in mum mode. Constantly thinking and planning.
‘We’ve done letters to Father Christmas today so they’ll get posted on the way to school tomorrow which was another thing I wanted to do before I go.
‘I’m constantly thinking, so in there it’s going to be hard having no contact but it’ll give me time to reflect and think about what I’m grateful for, especially these.
‘So I hope you enjoy the show, I hope I bring something to the table and I will see you when I get out!’
‘I’ve just thought, I haven’t even said what a fan I am of the show, and we are as a family – we love it every year. When it comes on, we laugh, cringe, shiver. So yeah I think the family when I’m on they are going to be hooked.
‘I know a few past friends who have been on they’ve said what a great time they’ve had so I hope I come out saying the same! See ya later.’
In the comments section, Coleen received the full support of her celebrity pals.
Paris Fury, said: ‘Can only imagine how anxious you’re feeling but the kids will be fine and good on you! Good luck babe xxx’.
Danielle Lloyd said: ‘Yeah so excited!! You’re going to smash it good luck babe.’
Ferne McCann said: ‘Oh yessssss! Absolutely Queen Coleen.’
Alison Hammond wrote: ‘Yaassss.’
Charlotte Dawson said: ‘Sooo excited! You’re gonna be amazing. True Kweeen!’
Fellow WAGS Toni Terri and Dawn Ward also send their well wishes along with Cassie Lomas.
The full I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! lineup was officially unveiled by ITV, with just six days to go until the new series.
While rumours have swirled for months about the stars set to be jetting to Australia for a three-week stay in the rat-infested camp, first look snaps gave fans a glimpse at the lineup.
Coleen finished the video message with: ‘So I hope you enjoy the show, I hope I bring something to the table and I will see you when I get out!’
The full I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! lineup was officially unveiled by ITV, with just six days to go until the new series
However, there are two names noticeably absent from the confirmed lineup, hinting that they are going to be late additions to the camp.
Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles are also set to take part in the show, and are expected to be heading into the camp later in the series.
Leading the confirmed pack was Coleen, who has ditched her WAG glamour for the famous jungle get-up as this year’s highest-paid signing.
Coleen has revealed how she has been asked multiple times to be on the show and has finally said yes this year because her children are old enough.
Ahead of her appearance, she said: ‘Over the years there have been different things going on in my life and also my children have been really young.’
Coleen also spoke about her ‘supportive’ husband Wayne’s feelings about her entering the show, insisting he is ‘fine’ with her spending time away.
She said: ‘Wayne is supportive, he’s fine with it all. If he had the time, he’d have a go.’
Revealing he might be glad of a break from her bad habit, she joked: ‘Wayne says I snore, not continuously though.’
Confirmation of Coleen’s jungle appearance comes just as she opened up about her marriage struggles on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast on Monday: ‘Wayne and I are a team. We’ve helped each other through life.
We are good at seeing the best outcome, rather than the worst. Hopefully it’s going to like that for the rest and it’s going to be a nice, smooth-sailing marriage. I don’t know if you can get one of them.’
I’M A CELEBRITY 2024: MEET THE ALL STAR LINE UP
OTI MABUSE
Oti Mabuse has already two Strictly glitterballs under her belt
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Professional dancer
FAMOUS FOR: Oti is best known for being a professional dancer on the British television series Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2019 and 2020.
DANNY JONES
Danny Jones is one of the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s I’m A Celeb
AGE: 38
OCCUPATION: McFly singer
FAMOUS FOR: Danny is one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for pop-rock band McFly.
He is also a coach on The Voice UK.
BARRY MCGUIGAN
Former boxer Barry McGuigan is heading into the jungle
AGE: 63
OCCUPATION: Retired professional boxer
FAMOUS FOR: Barry was nicknamed The Clones Cyclone and held the WBA and lineal featherweight тιтles from 1985 to 1986.
GK BARRY
GK Barry is a TikTok star who recently joined the ITV family on Loose Women
AGE: 25
OCCUPATION: TikTok star
FAMOUS FOR: Grace is known for her comedic commentary on culture, lifestyle, and fashion. She has over 3.6 million followers and recently joined the Loose Women panel.
DEAN MCCULLOUGH
ITV bosses are hoping Dean McCullough will ruffle feathers in the camp
AGE: 32
OCCUPATION: Radio 1 DJ
FAMOUS FOR: Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by I’m A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views.
Earlier this year it was announced Dean would be taking over the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, after previously fronting the afternoon slot.
JANE MOORE
Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women
AGE: 62
OCCUPATION: Journalist
FAMOUS FOR: Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women between 1999 and 2002.
She returned as a regular panellist from 2013 onwards.
Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from husband of 20 years, Showbiz agent, Gary Farrow.
MELVIN ODOOM
Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021
AGE: 44
OCCUPATION: DJ and TV presenter
FAMOUS FOR: His work on radio. Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.
He also had a primetime stint on Strictly back in 2016.
COLEEN ROONEY
Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history
AGE: 38
OCCUPATION: WAG
FAMOUS FOR: Wagatha Christie case against arch rival Rebekah Vardy.
Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history, exceeding Nigel Farage’s £1.5million from last year.
ALAN HALSALL
Alan Halsall is best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street
AGE: 42
OCCUPATION: Actor
FAMOUS FOR: Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from I’m A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.
Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap.
TULISA
Tulisa is making her career comeback after reuniting with N-Dubz last year
AGE: 36
OCCUPATION: Singer and former X Factor judge
FAMOUS FOR: Tulisa reunited with N-Dubz last year for a tour after first finding fame with the band in 2007.
In 2011, she became a judge on The X Factor and went on to launch her debut solo album, The Female Boss.
She released her fourth album with N-Dubz last year.
