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.
Coca-Cola confirms the Christmas Truck is coming to Manchester this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Coca-Cola has finally confirmed the news we’ve all been waiting for… the Christmas Truck will be in Manchester this weekend.
December is here, the temperatures have plummeted outside, and the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ is nearing closer and closer by the day – but it’s not Christmas until you’ve gone and got a Coca-Cola from the giant red van is it, right?
Well luckily, we won’t have to wait too much longer to get to do that once again.
The soft drinks company confirmed that ‘Holidays Are Coming’ a couple of weeks back, with the UK tour of the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck now well underway, and having visited other major northern cities such as Leeds and Liverpool over the last few days.
And now, Coca-Cola has revealed that the legendary van is coming to Greater Manchester this weekend, and will be stopping off at the Trafford Centre for one day only.
The much-loved festive symbol will be arriving outside the shopping centre tomorrow (Saturday 2 December) from midday right through until 8pm to provide “the ultimate Christmas celebration”, with a whole host of activities planned for families of all ages.
The 2023 Coca-Cola Christmas Truck journey will be packed with “interactive experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in”.
Coca-Cola confirms the Christmas Truck is coming to Manchester this weekend / Credit: Supplied
Anyone who heads to the Trafford Centre from midday tomorrow will first be welcomed by a walk-in, snow-filled bauble that invites them to “step into a winter wonderland for the perfect holiday snapshot”, all before making a stop at the ‘Ho-Ho-Hoop Hut’ to take part in a fun festive game for the chance to win a selection of prizes – including meal-inspired rewards, and recycled Christmas tree decorations.
Families can then finish off the tour by posing for a memorable photo opportunity in front of the iconic Coca-Cola truck.
Visitors are welcome to listen to the Coca-Cola Christmas choir as they perform a set of carols too.
Fancy it then? If you’re ready to kick-start Christmas the right way, then make sure you get yourself down to the Trafford Centre from midday tomorrow.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Tesco has slashed the price of one-litre bottles of Baileys by more than 50%
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has slashed the price of one-litre bottles of Baileys by more than 50%, and they’re now available to get your hands on for a limited time only.
With December officially here, and the festive season nearing closer by the day, most UK supermarkets are rolling out deals left, right, and centre to help shoppers save a few pennies during ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ as the cost of living crisis continues – and it seems like Tesco is absolutely no different.
That’s because the retailer has decided to knock a whopping £12 off the regular price of one-litre bottles of one of the best-loved Christmas tipples.
Fans of the classic Irish cream liqueur drink will probably want to run not walk to their nearest Tesco to stock up on Baileys ready for the big day to arrive, as big bottles of the festive favourite have been reduced from £22 right down to just £10, and are now available to fill your basket with.
Tesco has slashed the price of one-litre bottles of Baileys by more than 50% / Credit: The Manc Group
But… there’s a bit of a catch (isn’t there always?)
Not only is the over half-price offer only available for a very limited time, and due to expire at the end of next week, but shoppers will only be able to buy the one-litre bottles at the impressive £10 price if they’re Tesco Clubcard customers.
You were probably expecting that’d be the case, right? The supermarket – which is well-known for the savings it offers via is loyalty card scheme all year round – is giving Clubcard users up until Monday 11 December to nip to their nearest branch or head online to the Tesco website and buy as many bottles of Bailey’s as they fancy.
Fans of the classic Irish cream liqueur drink can stock up now / Credit: Tesco PLC
As part of the supermarket’s commitment to “keep prices low” until the end of the year, stuffing, roast potatoes, cranberry sauce, and even tin foil have all seen their prices slashed as the retailer aims to help those struggling to cover costs.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2022 
