Coleen Rooney has opened up about how her husband Wayne’s footballing fame has impacted family life with their children.
The 38-year-old I’m a Celebrity contestant, who has been married to the football player turned manager since 2008, revealed that the couple’s eldest son Kai, now 15, previously told Wayne to stop attending his matches as the former England captain would be “swarmed” by fans.
During a discussion about the ups and downs of stardom, her fellow I’m a Celebrity campmate Alan Halsall, who has appeared on Coronation Street since 1998, admitted that “the only time I’ve found it difficult really recently is when I’ve become a father, it’s hard then”.
Coleen agreed that it can be “hard to go on days out” with children due to the attention from the public.
She and Wayne are also parents to Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six.
“Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games, when he played grassroots [football] tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn’t even watch the game,” she explained.
“How do you say to all of these kids, ‘Go away, I’m watching my son?’ Adults, it’s different, you could speak to them. So he [Kai] just said, ‘Oh, Dad, there’s no point you coming because you don’t even watch me play anyway,’ which is sad but it can’t be helped.
“At the same time the fans help you along the way and get you where you are.”
Earlier this week, Coleen was moved to tears when she received letters from her family, who have been watching her stint in the jungle.
“Coleen, I have never missed you so much in my life,” Wayne wrote in his message.
“You’re doing amazing and showing everyone your character of what a wonderful, humble woman you are. I’m so proud of you, and can’t wait to see you. I love you ten, Wayne.”
In another letter, one of her sons joked that “one thing I am not missing is you shouting at me to get up in the morning” but also said that he was “so proud to call you mum”.
