I'm a Celeb: How 11 footballers fared on ITV show as former Wolves boss rumoured to appear

News broke last week that former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was rumoured to appear on ITV's hit reality show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

Independent Ipswich Town website TWTD said that the 65-year-old was being lined up to appear on the show. Supporters of clubs McCarthy managed as well as those who are aware of him, were excited by the news, as in press conferences, and on the touchline, he’s provided some entertaining moments.

Following Brighton & Hove Albion’s decision to sack Chris Hughton in 2019, McCarthy aimed a less than subtle dig at Ipswich, after they opted to go in a different direction. The Tractor Boys ultimately ended up being relegated to League One.

He was asked of his opinion of Hughton’s sacking, and he said: “Or maybe they just thought it was time for a change, the same as me at Ipswich. They thought it was time for a change…that went well.”

Another moment, which was a bit more recent was in February 2023, when in a press conference, a journalist asked: "In terms of results Mick, one win 17, it can’t go on like this, can it?" He took a brief pause, before McCarthy bluntly replied: "It can."

Should McCarthy appear on I'm a Celeb then for sure there would be an entertainment factor from the former Sunderland boss. He’s proven to be a hit among football supporters, and now the wider British public could experience his brilliance.

A total of 11 former footballers have appeared on the programme with mixed success. Two have won it, whilst others have been the first to go out. Should McCarthy appear, he'd be the first player or manager with an association to Wolves to appear. Here, we take a look at how other former footballers and managers have fared on the programme.

Jimmy Bullard

The former Hull City midfielder turned Soccer AM presenter appeared on the 2014 edition but was voted off first.

Neil 'Razor' Ruddock

Former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock appeared on the programme in 2004. He was in the jungle when Kerry Katona won it, with Katie Price, and Peter Andre also in there.

Rodney Marsh

Nine-time England international and former QPR striker Rodney Marsh appeared in 2007. He was eliminated fifth, finishing seventh. Stage & screen actor Christopher Biggins won that year with Katie Hopkins one of his camp mates.

Ian Wright

Former Arsenal and Crystal Palace striker Ian Wright appeared in the 2019 series. He was eliminated fifth. Actor Jacqueline Jossa who plays Lauren Branning in Eastenders won that year with Andy Whyment who plays Kirky in Coronation Street finishing second.

Dennis Wise

The former Chelsea midfielder appeared on the 2017 edition, and was the sixth person to be voted off. He was in the jungle with Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah, with Georgia Toffolo winning the show.

Wayne Bridge

Former Chelsea and Man City defender Wayne Bridge was eliminated eighth in the 2016 edition. Bridge shared the jungle with ex-Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman and Gavin & Stacey actor Larry Lamb.

Kieron Dyer

The former West Ham footballer was eliminated eighth, finishing fourth in 2015. Geordie Store star Vicky Pattison won that year with former boxer Chris Eubank competing on there.

David Ginola

The 2021 edition had to take place in Gwrych Castle in Abergele because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Former Spurs and Newcastle United man David Ginola appeared, and he was eliminated eighth, finishing ahead of Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in Eastenders.

John Fashanu

In 2003, the member of AFC Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang finished as runner-up to ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell. Daniella Westbrook who played Sam Mitchell in Eastenders was one of Fashanu's campmates.

Harry Redknapp

Former Portsmouth and Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp won over the British public and was crowned the king of the jungle in 2018. He beat Emily Atack, an actor from The Inbetweeners to the crown. Redknapp was in the jungle with Doctor Who star John Barrowman, and Eastenders actor Rita Simons who played Roxy Mitchell.

Jill Scott

It was just months after winning EURO 2021 that former Everton and Man City midfielder Jill Scott was crowned the Queen of the Jungle. It was the first series back in Australia as COVID-19 restrictions eased, and Scott competed against former Conservative politician Matt Hancock, as well as Chris Moyles, and Boy George.