EXCLUSIVERebekah Vardy and her lawyers will be glued to this years Im A Celebrity to keep close watch on anything rival Coleen Rooney says about her after Wagatha Christie libel battle
Rebekah Vardy will be losing sleep over Coleen Rooney appearing on Im a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - and her Wagatha Christie case lawyers will be carefully watching what her rival says, experts told MailOnline today.
Rebekah Vardy will be losing sleep over Coleen Rooney appearing on Im a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - and her Wagatha Christie case lawyers will be carefully watching what her rival says, experts told MailOnline today.
Coleen is rumoured to be earning at least £1.5million for signing up to the ITV primetime hit hosted by Ant and Dec.
The show begins in Australia in two weeks and Coleens decision to go has been described as the ultimate revenge on her rival because Rebekah was booted out early in the 2017 series.
One source close to Leicester City WAG Rebekah has claimed she now has no interest in the programme any longer - and most certainly wont be watching.
But one expert told MailOnline today that Mrs Vardy will be glued to ITV and watching everything Coleen says about her. Another source has said that Vardys legal team will also be watching like hawks.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede believes that Rebekah would be willing to launch a new lawsuit if Mrs Rooney says any nuggets that could potentially defame her.
Rebekah Vardy will be worried about Coleen Rooneys decision to go on Im A Celeb, an expert told MailOnline today
Rebekah in the Australian jungle on Im a Celeb in 2017, for which she was believed to have been paid £100,000. Coleen is predicted to be earning at least 15 times that amount in 2024
But while Coleen knows ITV wants her to spill more beans about the Wagatha Christie case and their rivalry, she will have been carefully coached by her lawyers about what she can and cant say before she enters the jungle, Mr Ede says.
100% Rebekah will not be happy that Coleen is going on the show, he said.
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.
Rebekah famously went in the jungle herself and for Coleen to be following in her footsteps will add insult to injury.
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.
Mr Ede said that Coleen is going to speak out, but added: Shes a very careful speaker so will be making sure she rehearses any answers to questions camp mates may interrogate her on.
She wont want to face any more issues or court letters from Vardys camp.
Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy were locked in a High Court libel battle dubbed the Wagatha Christie trial after Coleen planted fake stories on social media
Rebekah would end up losing the case and is currently wrangling over how much of her rivals huge legal fees she should pay
Rebekah shared a cryptic post after it was announced Coleen is reportedly set to appear on the show
Hosts Ant and Dec are plotting Wagatha Christie gags at Rebekah Vardys expense when her nemesis Coleen Rooney appears on the show this month, it emerged over the weekend.
Plans include putting money in a swear jar every time the duo mention the Wags libel trial.
Writers are also considering Cluedo-like tasks when the show returns to ITV on Sunday, November 17, with ex-England captain Wayne Rooneys wife reportedly receiving a record £1.5million.
Sources say Ant and Dec will tease about Mrs Rooneys social media post five years ago when she accused Leicester striker Jamie Vardys wife of leaking stories about her to the media.
To find the informant, Mrs Rooney, 38, posted made-up stories that could only be seen by Mrs Vardy, 42. The stories then appeared in a national newspaper.
Mrs Rooney wrote then: Its...Rebekah Vardys account. The punchline Its... is expected to feature heavily in the programme.
A show insider said: Talks about scripts and trials are throwing up hilarious ideas, like a swear jar.
Another plan is having tasks based on a Cluedo-type idea with Coleen as the detective. But there have been reports about Rebekah having lawyers watch the show because she owns the trademark to the phrase Wagatha Christie.
Itll all be tongue in cheek but Rebekah probably wont see it that way. Shes still very bitter.
Ant and Dec on Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of here. The duo are planning to put money in a swear jar every time they mention the Wags trial - a joke at Rebekah Vardys expense when her nemesis Coleen Rooney appears on the show
Rebekah Vardy, is a member of the Im A Celeb alumni, having appeared on the show in 2017 (where she was the third contestant to be eliminated)
The libel battle over Mrs Rooneys social media claim ended in defeat for Mrs Vardy who was left with a £3million legal costs bill, including her rivals expenses.
They remain locked in High Court hearings over the costs, some of which Ms Vardy wants written off as unreasonable.
She appeared on the show in 2017, when she is believed to have been paid £100,000. She was the third contestant to be evicted.
Others expected to feature this month include McFly pop star Danny Jones, former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, ex-Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse and boxing legend Barry McGuigan.
Last week Rebekah launched an appeal bid against a ruling on costs in the latest stage of her Wagatha Christie libel battle against Coleen Rooney.
Barristers for the pair returned to the High Court in October in a dispute over how much Mrs Vardy should pay in costs after she lost the legal action in 2022.
In a three-day hearing, lawyers for Mrs Vardy - the wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy - argued that the sum should be reduced due to what they said was serious misconduct by Mrs Rooneys legal team, who allegedly deliberately understated her costs.
But Senior Costs Judge Andrew Gordon-Saker found on balance and, I have to say, only just, that Mrs Rooneys legal team had not committed wrongdoing, and therefore it was not an appropriate case to reduce the amount of money that Mrs Vardy should pay.
Mrs Vardy sued her for libel, but Mrs Justice Steyn found in July 2022 that the allegation was substantially true.
Ms Rooney with Wayne and sons Kit, seven, Kai, 13, Klay, 11, and Cass, five
Coleens iconic social media post that launched the Wagatha Christie saga
The judge later ordered Mrs Vardy to pay 90% of Mrs Rooneys costs, including an initial payment of £800,000.
The previous hearing in London was told that Mrs Rooneys claimed legal bill - £1,833,906.89 - was more than three times her agreed costs budget of £540,779.07, which Jamie Carpenter KC, for Mrs Vardy, said was disproportionate.
He claimed that Mrs Rooneys legal team had committed misconduct by understating some of her costs so she could use the apparent difference in incurred costs thereby created to attack the other partys costs, which was knowingly misleading.
Robin Dunne, for Mrs Rooney, said that there has been no misconduct and that it was illogical to say that we misled anyone.
He added that the argument that the amount owed should be reduced was misconceived and that the budget was not designed to be an accurate or binding representation of her overall legal costs.
Judge Gordon-Saker ruled that while there was a failure to be transparent, it was not sufficiently unreasonable or improper to constitute misconduct.
He ordered Mrs Vardy to pay Mrs Rooney a further £100,000 ahead of the full amount owed being decided at a later date.
Im A Celebrity full lineup is REVEALED! Major soap star and sportsman are among the stars joining Coleen Rooney in camp
The full lineup for Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! has reportedly been revealed, over two weeks before the new series is set to hit screens.
The ITV1 jungle reality show will return to screens on Sunday November 17, with Ant and Dec at the helm, and insiders have promised the stars who have signed on to star in it this time round will make for compulsive viewing for fans.
Following months of speculation, Coleen Rooney and Maura Higgins will be heading Down Under for the new series later this month, alongside longtime soap star Alan Halsall and legendary sportsman Barry McGuigan.
Rounding out the lineup are Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse, Loose Women star Jane Moore, DJ Dean McCullough, Tulisa, radio presenter Melvin Odoom, Reverend Richard Coles and podcast presenter GK Barry.
Stripped of luxuries and creature comforts, stars will have face a string of Bushtucker Trials in a bid to win food for the camp, and only one will leave as the King Or Queen of the Jungle.
MailOnline takes a look at the stars who are thought to be heading to Oz when Im A Celebs new series begins on November 17th...
The full lineup for Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! has reportedly been revealed, over two weeks before the new series is set to hit screens
Coleen Rooney
Coleen Rooney is among a slew of stars who will be heading to Australia for the new series of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! after the confirmed lineup was revealed
Coleen is said to have been keen on joining the show for years, but only recently felt confident enough to leave her family in the UK.
Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the shows history, exceeding Nigel Farages £1.5million from last year.
She is also thought to be getting the ultimate revenge by signing up, with her arch-rival, Rebekah Vardy, being booted out early in the 2017 series.
Rebekah apparently has no plans to watch Coleens stint on Im A Celebrity unless its to catch her tacking a stomach-turning Bushtucker Trial.
She is said to have made it clear that shes not particularly interested in watching Coleen but would tune in if she knew she would be eating something revolting.
Whilst Rebekah may not be an avid viewer, her legal team are said to be paying close attention to anything that could be said.
Fans are desperate for Coleen to tell all about the Wagatha Christie drama on the reality show, but its been reported that she is not taking any chances.
After the high-profile trial, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in Coleens favour in July 2022, finding the post was substantially true.
Maura Higgins
It was previously reported that Im A Celebrity bosses had set their sights on Maura Higgins after boxer Tommy Fury withdrew at the last minute
It was previously reported that Im A Celebrity bosses had set their sights on Maura after boxer Tommy Fury withdrew at the last minute.
ITV were now eyeing up Molly-Maes best friend Maura, 33, to take his place in the jungle, with bosses apparently banking on the Irish beauty to spill the beans about her pal.
A source told The Sun: With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.
Shell bringing a bit of glamour to the jungle and make a brilliant campmate because shes got a great sense of humour and is bound to get on with everyone.
Its shaping up to be a strong year for woman on Im A Celebrity this year.
With Tommy out of the running, it was said to have paved the way for Mauras appearance on the show as it meant that there wouldnt be two stars from the 2019 series of the famous dating show in the jungle.
Danny Jones
According to new reports, Danny is preparing to jet out to Australia next weekend ahead of the launch later in November
The Voice wrapped up last week, just in time for Dannys looming jungle appearance later this year (pictured last month)
Danny could be following in the footsteps and bagging the winner title as McFly drummer Dougie Poynter was crowned King Of The Jungle in 2011, while Toms wife Giovanna Fletcher, was crowned Queen Of The Jungle in 2020.
According to new reports, Danny is preparing to jet out to Australia next weekend ahead of the launch later in November.
A source told MailOnline: Dannys hugely popular already and very good looking - female viewers will lap him up.
The Voice wrapped up last week, just in time for Dannys looming jungle appearance later this year.
Mentors Danny and Tom bought Ava Mannings all the way through to the final, where she was crowned winner of The Voice 2024.
Barry McGuigan
Boxing legend Barry is also set to fly out to Australia, after pleas from hosts Ant and Dec that he should sign up
Boxing legend Barry is also set to fly out to Australia, after pleas from hosts Ant and Dec that he should sign up.
It was reported by The Mirror that the promoter was drafted in as a last-minute replacement for Ally McCoist, after he pulled out of the lineup.
A source said: Barry is a bona-fide sporting legend and hes a great person to have heading for the jungle. When he rose to fame in the 1980s as the WBA featherweight boxing champ he became a non-sectarian ambassador.
He fought for both Ireland and Great Britain and was loved and respected on both sides of the divide. Theres not many who can say that.
Barry held major featherweight titles from 1983 to 1986, and was named BBCs Sports Personality of the Year in 1985.
In 2017, he also poked fun at pal Amir Khan, and branded him embarrassing when he ran away from a snake during his own jungle stint.
He said at the time: He was a bit embarrassing on the first task but he made up for it last night.
Alan Halsall
Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from Im A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery
Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap
Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from Im A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.
Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap.
A source told The Sun: Tyrone is one of Corries most-loved characters so Alan comes with a ready-made fan base.
Sometimes soap actors who are known for their iconic roles dont quite translate once in camp - Adam Woodyatt being one recent example.
But Alan is a top lad with bags of personality so ITV are over the moon hes signed up again.
Oti Mabuse
Sources said bosses are over the moon Oti Mabuse has joined the Im A Celebrity lineup after she left Strictly Come Dancing in 2022
Oti and her husband Marius Lepure, 41, revealed they had become parents in November but their baby was born prematurely with an infection, spending six weeks in intensive care.
A source told the publication: Oti is a brilliant name for Im A Celebrity, shes hugely popular and well liked by the ITV audience so bosses are over the moon she could be a campmate this year.
Shes very much seen as being part of the ITV family of stars and is always guaranteed to be great fun.
Oti shocked fans when she announced she would be leaving Strictly as a double champion after seven years in 2022.
Oti won the Glitterball trophy in two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and comedian Bill Bailey leaving many to believe that the South African could be set for a sensational hat trick.
But speaking on the All Change podcast last year, Oti admitted that the pressure of dealing with the celebrity contestants and stress she put on herself became too much and she turned to her husband for support.
She explained: Luckily my husband again has been an amazing person who has seen the dark days, the days where Im in the shower crying with my clothes on because its so hard and its so overwhelming. Hes seen me having to deal with interesting personalities.
Tulisa
After relaunching her career by reuniting with N-Dubz last year, siner Tulisa was courted by Im A Celebrity bosses to take part, after being approached several times in the past
After relaunching her career by reuniting with N-Dubz last year, singer Tulisa was courted by Im A Celebrity bosses to take part, after being approached several times in the past.
A source told The Sun that after finding a whole new audience on N-Dubzs reunion tour, Tulisa is hoping to relaunch her TV career, a decade after leaving The X Factor judging panel.
An insider said: This year is a decade since she left The X Factor so she felt the time was right to return to the TV spotlight — the amazing reception to the N-Dubz reunion tour really helped build her confidence.
Crucially for ITV, the breadth of her career means that she will appeal to Im a Celebritys wide audience.
As well as everyone knowing her from The X Factor, her original music fanbase has boomed thanks to the N-Dubz reunion tour.
TV bosses are particularly excited by the new wealth of fans in the crucial 16 to 24 age range who have discovered Tulisa and the band through TikTok and everyone hopes the deal is signed soon.
Melvin Odoom
Radio DJ Melvin Odoom was previously courted by Im A Celeb bosses in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute, and now its thought hell be taking part this year
Radio DJ Melvin was previously courted by Im A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.
However its now been reported he will be taking part this year, following a primetime stint on Strictly back in 2016.
Melvin has previously spoken about appearing on Im A Celeb, saying: I think its an amazing show to watch.
I think its so entertaining, but I dont think I could hack being in the jungle. Id be too, too scared.
Jane Moore
Best known to millions as a regular panellist on Loose Women, Jane is set to follow in the footsteps of her Loose Women co-stars
Best known to millions as a regular panellist on Loose Women, Jane is set to follow in the footsteps of her Loose Women co-stars, former Jungle Queen, Stacey Solomon, Charlene White, and Olivia Attwood.
Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from husband of 20 years, Showbiz agent, Gary Farrow.
The journalist and Gary raised her daughters Ellie and Grace, whom she has from a previous relationship, together. She is also a step-mother to his older daughter, Lauren.
In December 2022, Jane announced live on Loose Women that she and showbiz agent Gary had decided to separate but they remained best friends and she had been caring for him after he broke his leg.
A source revealed to MailOnline that Jane is at a point in her life where she wants to conquer new tasks and going on Im A Celeb will push her to the ultimate limit.
A TV source revealed: Jane is really excited for the challenge of Im A Celeb.
Shes been separated from Gary now for two years and its about time she set herself a new goal, to really experience what shes made of.
Its been a transformative few years for Jane and doing the show, which will be completely out of her comfort zone, is something shes really looking forward to.
As a journalist, she thrives among people and is hoping to make new friends in camp as well as share stories from her interesting life with whoever else is there.
An ITV spokesperson said: Any names suggested for Im A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! are speculation.
Jane confirmed she and Gary, whose clients included Elton John, had ended their marriage two years ago but it was an amicable split.
Dean McCullough
Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by Im A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views
Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by Im A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views.
A source said: Dean isnt known for being a shrinking violet and is sure to be outspoken — plus hes one of the youngest men lined up for the show so far.
Earlier this year it was also announced that Dean would be taking over the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, after previously fronting the afternoon slot.
Speaking about the new job, Dean said: Im really excited to be taking over the reins from the amazing Arielle Free.
The Early Breakfast crew are the best listeners at Radio 1. Im really excited to get stuck in and wake up the nation every morning.
Reverend Richard Coles
Another BBC Radio host set to join Dean in the jungle, is Reverend Richard Coles, with sources hoping he wont hold back when it comes to slamming his former employer
Another BBC Radio host set to join Dean in the jungle, is Reverend Richard Coles, with sources hoping he wont hold back when it comes to slamming his former employer.
A source said: Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth.
The ex Strictly star - a former member of pop group The Communards - has been vocal in his criticism of the BBC previously and last year said the broadcaster didnt know its a**e from its elbow.
Richard previously hosted Radio 4s Saturday Live show but left last year after more than a decade on the channel.
The star said he felt hurt at the way his exit had been handled and previously told The Guardian newspaper: If you leave a programme after 12 years, a gentler process would have been nice. But what happens happens.
It just feels a little bit rushed. Its been frustrating for me having to wait for an announcement, and now its my last programme on Saturday. Id rather have had a longer goodbye to listeners.
It just feels a bit sad. Im sorry to go; Ive loved the programme, Ive loved the people Ive worked with, and its been a big part of my life. I shall miss it.
GK Barry
It was first reported in August that podcaster and social media star GK Barry was in advanced talks to join the Im A Celebrity lineup
It was first reported in August that podcaster and social media star GK Barry was in advanced talks to join the Im A Celebrity lineup.
It was previously reported that GK was set to be appear in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, but turned down a spot on the scandal-plagued show.
A source said: GK is hugely popular with the younger generation and is sharp and quick witted which would translate well to chats around the campfire with other celebs.
Producers think she has great energy and is highly entertaining.
She has millions of social media followers, which is a top focus of ITV at the moment. Grace is savvy and knows this is a brilliant opportunity to become more of a household name.
It comes after Grace broke her silence about whether shes really feuding with her Loose Women co-star Frankie Bridge as she opened up about breaking into the world of TV.
Last month, Loose Women fans accused The Saturdays star Frankie of not liking guest panellist Grace after she implied she made a backhanded compliment towards her.
However, the influencer has now revealed that the duo were laughing about the rumours and the singer was actually really lovely to her the entire time she was on the show.
