The world of celebrity drama rarely gets more captivating than the clash between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. People call this high-profile dispute the “Wagatha Christie” case – a clever twist on Agatha Christie’s mystery novels that perfectly captures the detective work, twists, and courtroom showdown involved. What started as a simple Instagram post in 2019 exploded into one of the most talked-about libel battles in British legal history. Coleen Rooney, wife of football legend Wayne Rooney, accused Rebekah Vardy, wife of Leicester City star Jamie Vardy, of leaking stories to the tabloids. The saga dragged on for years, cost millions, and gripped the public with its mix of social media sleuthing, celebrity lifestyles, and intense courtroom drama. Even now in 2026, people still discuss this feud because it touches on privacy, loyalty among “WAGs” (wives and girlfriends of footballers), and the power of social media. Coleen Rooney cleverly set a trap to catch the leaker, while Rebekah Vardy fought back in court but ultimately lost. The legal battles finally wrapped up in 2025 with major rulings on costs, bringing long-awaited closure. This article dives deep into their backgrounds, the explosive accusation, the famous trial, the aftermath, and where both women stand today. You will get the complete, up-to-date picture with clear facts and engaging details. Who Is Coleen Rooney? A Look at Her Life and Rise to Fame Coleen Rooney builds her public image around family, resilience, and sharp instincts. Born Coleen McLoughlin in Liverpool on April 3, 1986, she grows up in a working-class family. She meets Wayne Rooney at age 12, and their romance becomes one of football’s most enduring love stories. They marry in 2008 in a lavish ceremony in Italy, and they now share four sons: Kai, Klay, Kit, and Cass. Coleen steps into the spotlight early as Wayne’s partner during his Manchester United glory days. She embraces the WAG lifestyle but always keeps a grounded approach. She launches her own fashion lines, writes columns, and appears in reality TV. However, she prioritizes privacy for her children and stays away from constant media exposure. People admire Coleen for her straightforward nature. She handles intense scrutiny with grace, especially during Wayne’s career ups and downs, including tabloid scandals. Her detective skills in the Wagatha case earn her huge respect – many see her as a clever, protective mother who refuses to let leaks invade her family’s life. Who Is Rebekah Vardy? From Reality TV to Football Royalty Rebekah Vardy carves her own path in the spotlight with confidence and business savvy. Born Rebekah Nicholas on September 10, 1982, in Staffordshire, she experiences a varied early life that includes time in Australia. She works in various jobs before meeting Jamie Vardy in 2014. They marry in 2016, and she becomes stepmother to his children from previous relationships while having her own daughter, Sofia. Rebekah gains fame through reality TV. She appears on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, where she showcases her personality and forms bonds (and rivalries) in the jungle. She builds a brand around fitness, fashion, and family life. She runs a clothing line and engages actively on social media, often sharing glamorous moments. Supporters view Rebekah as bold and unapologetic. She defends her actions fiercely and focuses on her family amid challenges. The Wagatha case tests her resilience, as she faces massive public attention and financial strain. How the Feud Began: The Instagram Trap That Shocked Everyone The drama ignites in October 2019 when Coleen Rooney drops a bombshell Instagram post. She reveals that someone leaks false stories about her private life to The Sun newspaper. To catch the culprit, Coleen blocks everyone from viewing her Instagram stories except one account – Rebekah Vardy’s. She then posts fake stories, including one about her basement flooding during home renovations. Sure enough, The Sun publishes an article based on that exact fake story. Coleen connects the dots and publicly accuses: “It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.” She adds, “I have saved and screenshotted all the original stories which clearly show just one person has viewed them. It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.” The internet erupts. People dub the incident “Wagatha Christie” because of Coleen’s masterful sleuthing. Rebekah Vardy strongly denies any involvement. She claims someone hacked her account or that her agent at the time, Caroline Watt, might have shared the stories. She sues Coleen for libel in 2020, seeking damages and an apology. Coleen stands firm, ready to defend her accusation in court. The High Court Showdown: What Happened During the 2022 Trial The libel trial begins in May 2022 at the High Court in London. It becomes a media circus, with daily reports, live updates, and viral moments. Rebekah Vardy claims Coleen’s post seriously damaged her reputation. Coleen defends herself by arguing the statement is substantially true – she presents evidence that leaks came from Vardy’s account. Key moments include intense cross-examinations. Rebekah Vardy’s agent Caroline Watt becomes central, but she does not appear in court due to illness. The judge hears about WhatsApp messages, deleted evidence, and arguments over who accessed the account. Coleen’s team highlights inconsistencies in Vardy’s side. On July 29, 2022, Mrs Justice Steyn delivers the verdict. She dismisses Rebekah Vardy’s claim completely. The judge rules that Coleen Rooney proves her accusation substantially true on the balance of probabilities. She finds Rebekah Vardy “party to the disclosure” of information to The Sun. Coleen wins decisively, and the court orders Rebekah to pay 90% of Coleen’s legal costs on an indemnity basis – a strong statement against certain aspects of Vardy’s conduct. The public largely celebrates Coleen’s victory. Memes, headlines, and discussions flood social media. Many praise Coleen for protecting her privacy cleverly. The Long Battle Over Costs: Millions at Stake and Appeals Dismissed Legal fights rarely end with the main verdict. The parties then dispute costs – the huge fees lawyers charge. Coleen claims around £1.8 million in costs. Rebekah contests the amount, arguing overstatements and misconduct by Coleen’s team in budgeting. Hearings stretch into 2024 and 2025. In May 2024, a costs judge begins assessment. Rebekah pays interim amounts, including £800,000 initially. In April 2025, Mr Justice Cavanagh dismisses Rebekah’s appeal claiming misconduct by Coleen’s lawyers. He rules no deliberate understatement occurs and upholds the costs claim. By May 6, 2025, a judge orders Rebekah Vardy to pay over £1.4 million of Coleen’s costs, including £1.19 million plus assessment fees. This brings the total close to the expected £1.5 million. Rebekah’s own legal bills likely reach similar heights, pushing the feud’s total cost beyond £3 million for both sides. Coleen Rooney expresses relief on social media. She posts that the ruling “finally brings closure for my family and I” and looks forward to moving on. Rebekah’s team considers final challenges but sources indicate the six-year battle nears its end by late 2025. Life After the Verdict: Where Coleen Rooney Stands in 2026 Coleen Rooney focuses on family and new projects. She appears on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in late 2024, finishing as runner-up – a sign of her enduring popularity. She launches a Disney+ documentary about her life and the Wagatha saga, sharing her perspective openly. She maintains a low-key lifestyle in Cheshire, prioritizing her sons and supporting Wayne in his coaching career. Coleen speaks positively about moving past the drama, emphasizing family peace. Life After the Verdict: Rebekah Vardy’s Path Forward Rebekah Vardy shifts focus to recovery and new ventures. She puts a luxurious Portuguese villa on the market amid financial pressures from the case. She enjoys family holidays, shares fitness updates, and explores reality TV deals, including rumored ITV projects with Jamie. Friends describe her as moving on, with a new life chapter in places like Italy. She occasionally comments on the saga, expressing she feels she got “the raw end” but stays determined. Why the Wagatha Christie Case Still Matters Today This feud captivates because it blends Zap Fruit Flies celebrity glamour with real issues: privacy in the digital age, media leaks, and social media’s double-edged sword. Coleen’s trap highlights how ordinary people use tech cleverly against intrusion. The case sets precedents in libel law, especially around social media evidence and third-party disclosures. It also sparks debates about WAG culture – the pressure, friendships, and rivalries behind the scenes. The massive costs remind everyone that court battles drain resources, even for the wealthy. Cultural Phenomenon: Wagatha Christie’s Lasting Legacy The feud birthed “Wagatha Christie” as a pop culture staple that spawned books, podcasts, TV specials, and even merchandise, with Coleen’s Married at First Sight UK post amassing millions of views and inspiring amateur sleuths everywhere to mimic her tactics against online trolls or workplace gossips. Additionally, the trial’s theatrical elements— from Rebekah’s emotional breakdowns to the judge’s witty asides about her agent’s poolside leaks— fueled parodies on shows like This Morning and The One Show, where Coleen later admitted in 2023 she felt “shocked” by the attention her 2019 post garnered beyond her wildest dreams. Consequently, this saga reshaped discussions on social media accountability, privacy in celebrity circles, and the perils of public feuds, influencing how influencers now lock down accounts tighter and think twice before accusing rivals outright. Latest 2026 Updates: Is the Feud Finally Over? As February 2026 dawns, no major new filings surface but whispers persist of Rebekah’s team dissecting Coleen’s final cost details for potential reductions through a possible two-week hearing floated in 2025 sources, though her camp signals readiness to Carrie Johnson move on after six grueling years that cost millions and reputations. Coleen, thriving as Wayne Rooney’s wife amid his coaching gigs and her business ventures like fashion lines, stays mum on updates, focusing family life with their four sons in Cheshire, while Rebekah supports Jamie’s Leicester campaigns and her charity work despite bankruptcy rumors debunked repeatedly. Thus, the chapter nears closure, but “Wagatha Christie” endures as a cautionary tale of digital drama turned legal leviathan. Impact on Their Families and Careers Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy largely sidestepped the spotlight, with Wayne offering steadfast support during Coleen’s trial prep and Jamie staying loyal despite occasional jabs at media frenzy, yet both careers chugged on as Premier League Nick Chevallier icons transitioned to management and punditry roles that insulated them from WAG wars. Coleen capitalized post-victory with her docuseries smashing streaming records and brand deals flourishing, whereas Rebekah navigated setbacks like Dancing on Ice exit and column axings but rebuilt via Instagram influencing reaching 500k+ followers who admire her resilience as a mum-of-five battling health woes. Therefore, the feud tested personal bonds but ultimately showcased their grit, with Coleen ascending as empowerment icon and Rebekah reframing the narrative around perseverance. Lessons from Wagatha Christie for Social Media Users Everyday folks learned heaps from Coleen’s sting: lock private accounts religiously, test leaks methodically before blasting accusations, and brace for backlash since one post spirals into lawsuits costing fortunes, as evidenced by how Coleen funded her defense through savvy prep while Rebekah’s denial strategy backfired spectacularly. Moreover, courts now cite Wagatha Laura Hamilton precedents in defamation cases stressing honest belief trumps absolute proof, empowering victims of cyberbullying to fight back smartly without fear of reprisal if evidence stacks convincingly. Hence, this feud educates influencers and normies alike on digital hygiene, urging caution in WAG-style worlds or office chats alike FAQs About Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy 1. What exactly did Coleen Rooney accuse Rebekah Vardy of in her famous 2019 Instagram post? Coleen Rooney accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking Janine Duvitski private stories from her Instagram to The Sun newspaper. She set a trap by blocking all viewers except Vardy’s account and posting fake stories that soon appeared in the press, leading to her direct naming of Vardy’s account as the source. 2. Who won the Wagatha Christie libel trial in 2022, and what was the judge’s key finding? Coleen Rooney won the trial completely. The judge, Mrs Justice Steyn, dismissed Rebekah Vardy’s libel claim and ruled that Rooney’s accusation was substantially true, finding Vardy party to the leaks based on evidence like WhatsApp messages and account access patterns. 3. How much did Rebekah Vardy have to pay Coleen Rooney in legal costs after the final 2025 rulings? Rebekah Vardy agreed to pay over £1.4 million toward Coleen Rooney’s costs in May 2025, including £1.19 million plus assessment fees. This followed earlier interim payments, with Rooney’s total claimed costs around £1.8 million, of which Vardy covers 90%. 4. Did Rebekah Vardy successfully appeal any part of the case in 2025? No, Rebekah Vardy lost her appeals. In Joy of Cosy April 2025, the High Court dismissed her challenge over alleged misconduct in Rooney’s costs budgeting. Mr Justice Cavanagh ruled no deliberate wrongdoing occurred, solidifying the costs order against her. 5. What role did Caroline Watt play in the Wagatha Christie case? Caroline Watt, Rebekah Vardy’s agent at the time, became a central figure because evidence suggested she accessed and possibly shared the stories from Vardy’s Instagram. Watt did not testify due to health issues, which weakened Vardy’s defense in court. 6. Has Coleen Rooney spoken publicly about how the saga affected her family? Yes, Coleen Rooney described relief after the 2025 costs ruling, saying it brought “closure for my family and I.” She emphasized looking forward to Gladiators moving on, focusing on her children and private life away from ongoing drama. 7. What new projects has Coleen Rooney taken on since winning the case? Coleen Rooney starred in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2024 as runner-up. She also released a Disney+ documentary exploring her life, the Wagatha incident, and her side of the story, allowing her to share her experiences directly. 8. How has Rebekah Vardy responded to the financial impact of losing the case? Rebekah Vardy faced huge bills, reportedly over £3 million combined with her own costs. She listed a £9.7 million Portuguese villa for sale and shifted to family-focused holidays and potential new TV deals to rebuild. 9. Why do people still call this the “Wagatha Christie” case years later? The nickname sticks because Coleen Rooney’s clever Slimming World Instagram trap mirrored a detective story by Agatha Christie. The drama, trial revelations, and cultural impact keep the term alive in media, memes, and discussions about celebrity privacy battles. 10. Are Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy on speaking terms now in 2026? No public evidence shows they reconciled or communicate. Both focus on separate lives – Coleen on family and projects in the UK, Rebekah on recovery and new opportunities – with the legal closure allowing each to move forward independently. The Wagatha Christie saga shows how one social media post can spark years of controversy. Coleen Rooney emerges vindicated, while Rebekah Vardy navigates the consequences. Both women demonstrate strength in facing public scrutiny. As 2026 unfolds, the feud fades into history, but its lessons on privacy and media endure To Get More Lifestyle Insights Click On: The Morrisons More Card: Smarter Shopping, Rewards and Savings in 2026 Theatre Severn: Shrewsbury’s Riverside Entertainment Gem Packed with Unforgettable Shows and Stunning Views The Mysterious World of Hemlock: From Ancient Poison to Modern Warnings and Ecological Importance The Sainsbury’s Nectar Card: Earning Rewards, Saving Money and Unlocking Exclusive Deals in 2026 To Get More Info: Yorkshire Herald Post navigation Kai Rooney: Young Football Star Chasing Greatness in His Father’s Footsteps Derek Mathewson: Classic Car King and TV Auction Legend