Coleen Rooney exudes glamour in a red silk gown at the Football For Change gala while husband Wayne takes on terrifying skydive in first I'm A Celebrity challenge

Coleen Rooney cut a glamorous figure as she led the stars at the Football For Change gala in Liverpool on Saturday night, while her husband Wayne skydived in his first I'm A Celebrity challenge. 

The sports pundit, 41, has swapped his multimillionaire lifestyle to camp out in the Australian jungle for the new series, set to air next week. 

Coleen, 40, appeared to be holding the fort at home as she made a public appearance at the charity event, held at the M&S Bank Arena. 

The WAG looked elegant in a red silk gown which had a draping neckline and slit at the front.

Coleen complemented the look with pearl drop earrings, a bronzed tan and black clutch bag. 

Despite flying solo, Coleen appeared in high spirits as she mingled with a host of footballers and other TV stars at the gala. 

Founded in 2021 by footballers Jamie Carragher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady alongside business leader Dan Hughes, the annual star-studded event raises vital funds to tackle child poverty and improve social mobility for disadvantaged young people across the UK.   

10,000 miles away, former England footballer Wayne finally conquered his fear of heights after taking on a terrifying skydive as part of his first I'm A Celebrity challenge, which was filmed today ahead of the first episode on Monday.

Rooney is following in Coleen's footsteps by starring in the show, after she reached the final in 2024. 

Wayne appeared to thoroughly enjoy the experience, flashing a huge smile as he touched down on the beach.

One source told the Daily Mail: 'Wayne has always been nervous when it comes to heights and helicopters, so it seemed an obvious choice for bosses to get him doing the famous skydiving trial before entering camp.

'And to everyone's surprise, he absolutely loved it. It will make for great television.

'His new campmates were very supportive and cheered him on, but there was no time for high fives as he was whisked off immediately after to do an interview and film his reaction for the show.'

Earlier this year, the Match of the Day pundit decided to give up alcohol after Coleen grew tired of his wild partying – and since then he has lost an astonishing three stone, and has won plaudits from viewers for how well he is looking.

But the biggest perk of his life-changing move? His 18-year marriage, he says, is better than ever.

He said: 'She has said I look better, but from a mental point of view I am in a much better place as well. I think I am in a really good place, a really happy place.'

Coleen was runner-up to McFly singer Danny Jones in 2024. Understanding the ups and downs means she has been able to offer advice ahead of Wayne's jungle debut. She told him simply to be himself. 

Wayne's hoping to go one better than his wife and take home the crown.

He said: 'I was really proud of Coleen and her time in the jungle,' he said, adding: 'There's no competition between us, but I would like to do a little bit better than her. So let's see!'

Wayne has lived away from his wife and sons previously for work, notably when he managed DC United in Washington. He is used to being separated from them but he said it is already taking a toll.

'I'll miss them,' he said. 'I've lived away from them before but having no contact like this week is strange. That will be tough. I have to get through that and it is not too long in terms of your life span. But emotionally you don't know how that will affect you in there.'

When Coleen was in the jungle in 2024, Wayne famously encouraged fans to vote for her to do the trials. 

On if he thinks she's planning to get her revenge. 'I'm sure she will,' he laughed. 'But I want to do trials. I'm scared of a lot of things. That is a big part of the experience but I'm not sure how I'll cope.'

He is the latest in a long line of footballers who have appeared on the ITV show, including his fellow England players Joe Cole, Ian Wright and Dennis Wise.