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.
A full series of The Celebrity Apprentice is coming to UK screens for the first time ever
Danny Jones
Britain’s much-loved version of The Apprentice is getting its first-ever full celebrity season next year as the series is set to copy the spin-off format seen in the US.
The popular reality TV show competition, where game-show meets the world of business, has been running here in the UK since 2005.
Now coming up 20 seasons and already well over 200 episodes, including specials, the producers have just as much of a challenge coming up with fresh ideas as the contestants do.
With that in mind, the BBC has now ordered the first dedicated The Celebrity Apprentice series, separate from the mainline show and set to run longer than previous iterations.
The I'm a celebrity of the business world. Can't wait. Didn't watch the apprentice earlier this year for obvious reasons but really excited about this. Hope LS isn't soft on them because its charity. https://t.co/o7PK5e2N0w
As confirmed by multiple sources – including one of renowned businessman and host Alan Sugar’s own advisors, Andrew Bloch – the first proper Celebrity Apprentice season will air in 2026.
Bloch explains that it’ll come in the form of a six-episode series that “will see a new line-up of famous faces take on weekly business challenges set by Lord Sugar, competing to avoid the words ‘You’re fired’ and ultimately be crowned The Celebrity Apprentice winner.”
While previous instalments in the celebrity version have either been attached to Christmas specials or the likes of Comic Relief/Red Nose Day in March, this inaugural fully-fledged chapter is set to take place sometime early next year, though an official release date is yet to be announced.
Speaking of seasonal episodes, any viewers who’ve never seen the show or at least not with recognisable household names starring in it, the 2025 festive special will be airing across two parts later this month.
Speaking on the commission, BBC’s Head of Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, added: “The Apprentice is a much-loved part of the BBC’s entertainment offering, and we can’t wait to see how the celebrity candidates rise to the challenge when the series launches later in 2026.”
The lineup of special guests for next year’s series is yet to be confirmed, but the lineup for the upcoming Xmas episodes is as follows: AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Kadi, Jake Wood, JB Gill, Kadeena Cox, Matt Morsia, Rob Rinder, Sarah Hadland, Shazia Mirza and Tom Skinner.
Skinner actually took part in the regular show back in 2009, helping launch his public persona, before going on to get involved in social media, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and even politics.
Have you seen the celeb version of The Apprentice before, and/or will you be watching this one?
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (via BBC Media Centre)
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Manchester United have been linked with a move for a Real Madrid legend
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing football legend and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, over a decade on from the last time he was linked with the club.
Yes, after the notion of signing the Spanish defender first cropped circa 2009, and then again in 2015 (that time with the possibility of David de Gea famously going the other way), the European footballing veteran is set to be pursued by a number of teams next month.
One might even consider a third turn around the ‘could he?’ carousel towards the same club, not unlike the Wesley Sneijder-Man United equivalent of the transfer rumour mill.
Nevertheless, it appears as if it’s come round once again, though it remains to be seen just whether or not the story has any serious legs.
According to Spanish news outlet and radio station, Cadena SER, Sergio Ramos is now being eyed up for a potential move to Manchester, and the idea of him finally donning a United shirt might not be so far-fetched after all.
Now 39 years old and having personally announced that he won’t be signing a new deal at CF Monterrey, he will soon be available as a free agent in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ramos, a World Cup and Euros winner – not to mention serial La Liga and Champions League trophy collector – joined the Mexican club back in February after more than 16 years with the European giants, but his contract runs out at the end of this December.
Despite being set to enter his 40s and already well into the second decade of his professional career, the latest is that the Red Devils have now put forward a ‘formal offer’ to reunite the established, serial winner and senior star with his former and equally decorated teammate, Casemiro.
🚨🚨🌖| BREAKING: Manchester United have formally put forward an offer to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford in the January window. [@La_SER via @goal] pic.twitter.com/QpOlL4izk2
It goes without saying that not only will numerous teams be throwing their hat in the ring to sign Ramos this January, but any side would benefit from having such a strong and experienced leadership presence in the dressing room, let alone Ruben Amorim‘s squad.
Better still, bringing in a player of his calibre on a free will be seen as an absolute coup by whoever eventually secures his signature.
However, as per GOAL (who also shared the claims made by Cadena SER earlier this week), while the Spaniard is said to have no intention of hanging up his boots just yet and still wants to try and compete at the top level, it is thought he would like a second return to Sevilla.
The belief is that when Ramos does retire, it will be back at his boyhood club – but before that, we couldn’t really be about to see him in the red of a Man United shirt… could we?
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2022 
