Former England rugby star Danny Cipriani reportedly missed out on a six-figure I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! deal following the breakdown of his marriage.
The former fly-half had been lined up for the 2023 series, but withdrew just days before the programme began.
His decision came amid problems in his marriage to Victoria Rose, with allegations about messages to other women later emerging.
With the popular ITV programme returning on 16 November, and Wayne Rooney among the big names linked with the new series, Cipriani remains one of the biggest rugby stars to have missed out on the jungle experience.
Why did Danny Cipriani pull out of I'm A Celebrity?
Cipriani was reportedly due to receive a six-figure fee for appearing in the 2023 series.
According to LBC's report at the time, television bosses considered him one of their most exciting potential signings.
The former Gloucester and Bath star had been expected to join a cast featuring Nigel Farage, Jamie Lynn Spears and Josie Gibson.
However, he withdrew before entering the jungle.
The decision came as his marriage to Victoria Rose broke down, with the couple announcing their separation in November 2023.
They had married in April 2021, but Cipriani later confirmed they were going their separate ways.
Victoria subsequently accused her former husband of messaging other women during their marriage.
She made further allegations when filing for divorce in August 2024.
Cipriani strongly disputed the claims and denied being unfaithful.
The former England international never made it into the jungle, missing out on what could have been one of his biggest television appearances.
Where is Danny Cipriani now?
Cipriani has since found love again, marrying Hollywood actress AnnaLynne McCord in August 2026.
The former England fly-half tied the knot with the 90210 star at their Los Angeles home on 22 August.
The couple were joined by 81 close friends and family members for an unusual ceremony featuring sound healing, spiritual blessings and ancient Celtic traditions.
They exchanged personal vows before celebrating with live music and a Middle Eastern buffet.
Cipriani and McCord originally met through celebrity dating app Raya before reconnecting in 2024.
Their relationship became public that April.
The 38-year-old retired from professional rugby in January 2024, bringing an end to a career that included spells with Wasps, Sale Sharks, Gloucester and Bath.
He won 16 caps for England and was widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted fly-halves of his generation.
The former international is now enjoying a new chapter with his wife in Los Angeles.
When does I'm A Celebrity 2026 start?
The new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! will begin on Monday, 16 November at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Ant and Dec will return to host the programme, which usually runs for around three weeks.
This year's launch falls on a Monday rather than the traditional Sunday evening.
The programme will also be accompanied by I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked, hosted by Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers.
Wayne Rooney headlines reported 2026 cast
Former England football captain Wayne Rooney is reportedly the biggest name lined up for this year's series.
The Manchester United legend would be following in the footsteps of his wife Coleen, who finished runner-up to Danny Jones in 2024.
Rooney, who won 120 caps for England, has been linked with the show alongside several familiar television personalities.
According to reports on the 12 celebrities tipped to enter the jungle, the proposed cast also includes:
- Joanna Page – Gavin & Stacey actress
- Leigh Francis – comedian best known as Keith Lemon
- Ricky Wilson – Kaiser Chiefs frontman
- AJ Odudu – Big Brother presenter
- Ade Adepitan – Paralympian and television presenter
- Claire Sweeney – former Coronation Street actress
- Chloe Burrows – former Love Island contestant
- Mariella Frostrup – broadcaster
- Leomie Anderson – model
- Sharky – YouTuber and Beta Squad member
- Jack Skipper – comedian
ITV has not officially confirmed the line-up, with the broadcaster describing the reported names as speculation.
If Rooney does enter the jungle, he will become the latest former England sporting star to take on the famous Bushtucker Trials.
