Wayne Rooney has revealed that quitting alcohol has transformed his mental health - and has helped him to lose more than three stone in just six months.

Speaking ahead of entering the jungle in the latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the former footballer said that his marriage to wife Coleen, is in a “much better place” as a result.

The former England captain said stopping drinking has completely overhauled his lifestyle, and that Coleen has noticed the difference in his appearance, happiness and in their relationship.

Rooney, 41, told The Mail on Sunday: “She’s obviously happy because I think, from a point of view of our marriage, it’s in a better place, in a much happier place. And so that obviously makes a difference.

“So I think, yes, she’s obviously said I look a lot better, but also from a mental point of view, I’m in such a better place as well.”

He added: “Having stopped drinking for almost six months now it does help in terms of your food. I’ve just been eating, to be honest, probably as healthy as I’ve ever eaten over that period, and then training, getting back into a routine of training.

“So obviously it all ties in and all helps. And then I had weight to lose as well. So I think I’m just in a really good place, a really happy place.”

Ahead of the show, Rooney has undergone a dramatic transformation even apart from the weight loss, including a nose job and Invisalign to transform his smile.

The former Manchester United striker has spoken openly in the past about his struggles with alcohol.

The couple invited cameras into their home for a year to document the highs and lows of their marriage, with scenes showing the pair arguing over Wayne’s boozy nights out.

Coleen even considered separating from him, and in one low point she was seen furious when left to deal with their four sons, Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass, while Wayne nursed a hangover on a family holiday.

The couple, who met as teenagers in Liverpool, have now been married for more than 18 years.

Wayne admitted the prospect of being separated from his wife and children would be one of the toughest parts of his jungle experience.

He told the Mail on Sunday that, during his career, he has lived away from them before - but that having no contact with them while on the show would be “tough”.

He said that Coleen, who finished runner-up to Danny Jones in the 2024 series of I’m A Celeb, has been offering him advice about what to expect.

He added that he had been impressed by her performance, but would love to go one better by winning the show.

He said: “Obviously, I was very proud of Coleen and her time in the jungle. I thought she’d been brilliant. And then obviously it’s a different set of people in there, so the outcome could be completely different. And if I was to win it, then great.

“If not, I’ve always wanted to do the show, and it’s something which I’m delighted to be able to do. As I said, there’s no competition, but I would like to do a little bit better than her. So we’ll see.”