The libel trial that followed one of the most talked-about moments in British social media history is being turned into a docudrama.
Channel 4 has confirmed that the High Court case, which saw Rebekah Vardy take Coleen Rooney to court over a 2019 social media post that accused her of leaking Rooney’s private stories, and was appropriately dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ when it first unfolded, is to be the subject of one of its newest TV dramas.
The libel trial between the two wives of former Premier League and England international footballers, Jamie Vardy and Wayne Rooney, took place in May, and the judgement is expected soon – but those waiting for the outcome can in the meantime start looking-forward-to this new Channel 4 drama-documentary.
The two-part series will recreate the high court defamation case that followed.
Using the real court transcripts verbatim, Channel 4 says Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama will bring viewers all of the “incredible and unbelievable moments” from a case that many will know was not allowed to be televised.
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Scenes from the courtroom will be juxtaposed with analysis from the media and on social media, while actors will play the parts of the main protagonists – including Rebekah Vardy, Coleen Rooney, Wayne Rooney, and Jamie Vardy.
Casting is yet to be announced.
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It was the court case that gripped the nation, dubbed "#WagathaChristie" online, and put social media under the legal spotlight.
A new two-part drama-documentary……….will reveal all
Speaking on the new series, Alf Lawrie – Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4 – said: “More outlandish than a storyline from Footballers Wives, this High Court case gripped the nation.
“Now, using court transcripts, this factual dramatisation will allow viewers to see for themselves the courtroom drama in one of the most infamous trials of recent times, bringing to life a case that encapsulated so much about the British cultural landscape in the 21st century.”
It’s believed that some of the highlights of the drama are likely to revolve around questioning over Vardy’s relationship with journalists at The Sun newspaper, and the details of former relationships – including a fling with Peter Andre.
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Wayne Rooney’s stint in the witness box, when he told the court he had no idea about his wife’s social media “sting operation” until he saw her Instagram post, is expected to form part of the drama too.
Rebekah with husband Jamie Vardy, and Colleen and Wayne Rooney / Credit: Rebekah Vardy & Colleen Rooney (via Instagram)
Director Oonagh Kearney said it’s a “privilege” to get to “peel back the layers of this story”.
“This trial utterly captivated the public with its daily feed of entertaining exchanges and jaw-dropping reveals, but behind this, is a story of two women under constant public scrutiny, fighting for their reputations,” she added.
The script for the two-part series is confirmed to be written by journalist, author, and documentary maker Chris Atkins.
No dates for the commencing of filming or when it will air have been announced.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.
No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.
From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.
But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?
Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel
Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.
Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.
Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers
Croydon
Derby
Manchester
Leeds
Preston
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Wakefield
Oldham
The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.
Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful.
“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.
“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2022 
