TV star threatens to reignite one of Britain’s biggest pop culture feuds

Our favourite Wagatha Christie rivals are at it again, with a source claiming Rebekah Vardy and her lawyers plan to keep a close eye on Coleen Rooney during her I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here appearance.

The two women captivated not only the nation but the pop culture world in 2019 after Coleen, 38, claimed Rebekah, 42, was leaking posts made on her private Instagram account to The Sun.

In response, Rebekah sued her former friend in a High Court libel trial, with the court finding during the highly publicised trial that Coleen’s statements were substantially true.

Rebekah was then ordered to pay a substantial portion of Coleen’s legal expenses and her own legal fees. While it’s unclear exactly how much she paid, it’s estimated to be £3 million.

And it seems she’s not ready to put the feud behind her, as a source has now claimed Rebekah, who starred in 2017’s I’m a Celeb season, has asked lawyers to keep an eye on Coleen’s appearance in the jungle.

‘100% Rebekah will not be happy that Coleen is going on the show.’ Brand and culture expert Nick Ede told The Daily Mail. ‘She will be keeping her eyes and ears glued to the screen in case she can garner any nuggets from Coleen that could potentially defame her.’

Additional sources added ‘Vardy’s legal team will also be watching like hawks.’

Nick added that Coleen will be careful with her comments while in the jungle: ‘Coleen is a very private person so for her to agree to this will and to appear on the jungle producers will be wanting her to spill more beans about the Wagatha Christie case’. 

‘She’s a very careful speaker so will be making sure she rehearses any answers to questions campmates may interrogate her on.

It has additionally been reported that Rebekah is keen to get into the jungle herself as a surprise campmate.

Speaking to The Sun, the insider said: ‘Becky would be straight on a plane if she had the chance. She’d love to see the look on Coleen’s face if she appeared. It would make the best television.’

‘But she imagines bosses have promised Coleen they have no such surprise planned,’ They added: ‘She thinks it’s hilarious that Coleen is copying her and it is only encouraging people to keep talking about Wagatha rather than leave it in the past.

‘Becky has nothing to hide though she would be game to put on her camp costume.’

Despite the source’s claims, it’s unclear if Coleen’s reported £1.5 million participation on the show came with any conditions in regard to excluding Rebekah.

It was revealed last month that the former TV star, known for her relationship with former England player Wayne Rooney would be joining the lineup and had secured the biggest deal in the show’s history.

‘I’m A Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup ­getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board,’ a source said.

According to the source, the feeling was mutual as Coleen has reportedly been a fan of the show for a long time.

‘She’s always been a massive fan of the show and loves watching it with her boys. ITV are over the moon that the stars have aligned this year and she can fit it in. The series is set to be one of the best yet,’ an ITV source continued to The Sun.

‘Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case. She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts,’ they added.

ITV bosses are reportedly hoping Coleen will share details of her private life with her husband Wayne, as well as her explosive fallout with Rebekah.

Metro has contacted representatives for Rebekah Vardy for comment.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! returns on November 17 to ITV and ITV1.

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