ITV is launching a new documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, exploring Coleen Rooney’s libel battle with Rebekah Vardy. Airing ahead of Rooney’s debut on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the documentary revisits the 2022 trial and offers new insights into Rooney’s journey from private life to public court victory.
Wagatha Christie Case Revisited
In a high-stakes legal showdown last year, Coleen Rooney, the wife of former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney, triumphed in her libel case against Rebekah Vardy. The dispute stemmed from Rooney’s accusation that Vardy had leaked private stories about her to the press. Vardy, the spouse of Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy, denied these allegations but later lost the case. Mrs. Justice Steyn ruled the claims as “substantially true,” resulting in Vardy paying 90% of Rooney’s legal expenses, with an initial settlement of £800,000.
The case became one of the most high-profile libel battles in recent British history, dubbed “Wagatha Christie” by the media after Rooney’s investigative efforts to uncover the source of her leaked stories. This documentary provides an in-depth look at her journey to the High Court, showcasing the efforts she made to defend her privacy.
Inside Coleen’s Sleuthing Tactics
Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story captures the dramatic lead-up to the Instagram post where she accused Vardy of leaking her personal information. The show includes exclusive interviews with Coleen, her family, and her legal team. Through these perspectives, the documentary reveals how Rooney, frustrated by repeated media leaks about her private life, turned into an “amateur online sleuth.”
Using her private Instagram account, Rooney strategically shared posts to see if any information would be leaked to the press. This process ultimately led her to single out Vardy’s account as the source, leading to the infamous accusation that captured the nation’s attention.
Documenting Coleen’s Path to Victory
The documentary sheds light on the emotional and legal battles Rooney faced. Her journey to prove her claims was challenging, yet she remained steadfast. When the case reached the High Court, she defended herself, arguing that Vardy’s account was responsible for the leaks. With testimony from her legal team and new insights from her family, the documentary illustrates how her persistence led to a landmark court decision.
The Wagatha Christie trial revealed the personal toll such cases can have, especially for public figures. Rooney’s determination to protect her privacy, even as the case played out under intense media scrutiny, won her respect and drew empathy from her supporters. Her victory in court marked a rare win for privacy in the often invasive world of celebrity media.
From Legal Battles to the Jungle
This documentary release is timely, coming just as Coleen Rooney prepares for her first appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, set to air this Sunday. Rooney, now ready for a new kind of adventure, will join other celebrity contestants, including N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, and former boxing champion Barry McGuigan.
Ahead of her journey to the Australian jungle, Rooney shared her thoughts on the decision. “For years, I’ve been asked to participate in a show, and it’s always been a firm no,” she said. Now, with her children at an age where she feels she can leave for a while, she is ready for the “challenge” of the I’m a Celeb experience. “If I was going to do one show, it had to be this one,” she said, adding that she’s eager to do something different.
A New Chapter for Coleen Rooney
Following her legal success, Rooney’s willingness to enter the public eye again signals her desire for fresh experiences. In I’m A Celebrity, she will face unique trials and connect with audiences on a new level, a stark contrast to the intense and personal ordeal of the Wagatha Christie case. ITV’s documentary promises to offer viewers an in-depth look at her legal struggles and her return to TV entertainment.
A Legacy Beyond the Courtroom
Coleen Rooney’s story, now captured in ITV’s documentary, highlights a journey from privacy invasion to public triumph. As she heads into I’m A Celebrity with a renewed sense of purpose, viewers will see her tackle new challenges, all while reflecting on the high-profile case that reshaped her public image.
With her role in I’m A Celebrity, Coleen Rooney embarks on a fresh chapter, one where she can leave behind the courtroom and step into a new adventure—on her own terms.
