Wednesday 18 May 2022 08:58 AM From to court sketches, which WAG can declare themselves winner in ... trends now

Wednesday 18 May 2022 08:58 AM From to court sketches, which WAG can declare themselves winner in ... trends now
Wednesday 18 May 2022 08:58 AM From fashion to court sketches, which WAG can declare themselves winner in ... trends now

Wednesday 18 May 2022 08:58 AM From fashion to court sketches, which WAG can declare themselves winner in ... trends now

There have been famous footballers, warring WAGs and salacious celebrity revelations. 

But now, after more than a week at London's High Court, the final whistle is about to be blown on one of the most gripping sporting match-ups of recent years: Rooney vs Vardy. 

Both sides of the Wagatha Christie libel trial - which is, surely, a gloriously camp Netflix miniseries waiting to happen - have concluded their evidence, and after closing statements tomorrow they must await the judgement of Mrs Justice Steyn, the referee in this particularly acrimonious match involving two of the biggest names in English football.

Before we take a look back at the highlights, a quick recap of the key facts. At the centre of the case is a social media post shared by Coleen Rooney, 36, in October 2019, in which she revealed that she had carried out a 'sting operation' and accused her fellow WAG, Rebekah Vardy, 40, of leaking 'false stories' about her private life to the press.

Rebekah denies leaking stories to the media and is suing Coleen for libel, while Mrs Rooney is defending the claim on the basis her post was 'substantially true'.

The trial has been stuffed to the gills with bizarre revelations (Mrs Vardy comparing Coleen to a 'pigeon that s**ts in your hair' and her spat with Sarah Harding after she photographed the contents of her handbag); awkward moments (Rebekah's grilling over how she once branded Peter Andre's manhood a 'chipolata') and comedy, thanks to some unforgiving court sketches that left husband Wayne Rooney looking like a 'potato'.

Alongside the burly bodyguards and crack legal teams, there has also been the courtroom catwalk. Neither Mrs Vardy nor Mrs Rooney was prepared to let the small matter of a high-profile legal case stand in the way of a chance to show off some of their finest designer garments.

Both plaintiff and defendant have dressed to impress in designer threads, Gucci shoes and power suits as the £3million libel trial reaches its crescendo. Then there are their husbands: both Leicester City striker Jamie and player-turned-manager Wayne have made appearances in court, supporting their wives while throwing jibes at each other.

As celeb commentators and football fans wait with baited breath for Mrs Justice Steyn's judgement, FEMAIL asks: who has escaped this media circus of a trial most unscathed?

With a Match of the Day style commentary, a look at the match highlights - from who scored the most own goals to who was forced to endure hairdryer treatment brutal enough to make Sir Alex Ferguson proud. 

WINNING STRIP   

MATCH RESULT: 1-0 TO TEAM VARDY 

Their wardrobes are full of plunging necklines, daring hemlines and diamonds the size of small ice skating rinks. So in that sense, Rebekah and Coleen's designer-clad courtroom ensembles were restrained.

The pair manage to fight against their blingtastic instincts and leave the body-con dresses at home for their daily appearances at the High Court, although there were still plenty of designer outfits on show. 

Rebekah opted for a slew of branded pieces, wearing labels beloved by the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle, and covered her eyes with over-sized designer sunglasses for the short walk into court.

She wore a total of £16,600 over the course of the six day trial, donning a new designer outfit for every appearance.

High Court, high fashion: The WAGS have clearly invested time, money and energy in picking out exactly what they've worn during the high-profile trial, with Rebekah Vardy going for all-out couture glamour, showcasing outfits by some of Kate Middleton's favourite designers including a yellow tweed co-ord from Alessandra Rich priced at £2,095

Coleen has appeared more thrifty, recycling a Kooples pantsuit she debuted in March, costing £605. She's also sporting a medical boot throughout

High Court, high fashion: The WAGS have clearly invested time, money and energy in picking out exactly what they've worn during the high-profile trial, with Rebekah Vardy going for all-out couture glamour, showcasing outfits by some of Kate Middleton's favourite designers including a yellow tweed co-ord from Alessandra Rich priced at £2,095. Right: Coleen has appeared more thrifty, recycling a Kooples pantsuit she debuted in March, costing £605. She's also sporting a medical boot throughout

As the trial reached its finale, both women opted for the drama of darker colours on Tuesday, with Vardy plumping for a smart navy trouser suit - and obligatory bronzed skin and shades

A bare-legged Coleen wore her Gucci loafers with a little black dress and a Chanel handbag, thought to be worth £3,000

As the trial reached its finale, both women opted for the drama of darker colours on Tuesday, with Vardy plumping for a smart navy trouser suit with suede heels and a matching leather bag - plus obligatory bronzed skin and shades - while a bare-legged Coleen wore her Gucci loafers with a little black dress and a Chanel handbag, thought to be worth £3,000

Coleen opted for a £32.99 printed dress from Zara, which she teamed with one Chanel loafer.

Meanwhile Rebekah went for a full-on designer look, pairing a black, high-neck £1,780 Prada dress with a matching £1,245 blazer from Alexander McQueen, yet another Duchess of Cambridge-approved designer.

Casual Coleen opted for a £32.99 printed dress from Zara, which she teamed with one Chanel loafer in the first week. Meanwhile Rebekah went for a full-on designer look, pairing a black, high-neck £1,780 Prada dress with a matching £1,245 blazer from Alexander McQueen, yet another Duchess of Cambridge-approved designer

Superstar footballer Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen, 36, opted for a £580 blouse from French fashion brand Isabel Marant, which featured a round neck and puff sleeves

The wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy , 40, opted for a white and blue vintage £1,316 Chanel patterned dress for day three of the £3million Wagatha Christie libel trial

Superstar footballer Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen, 36, opted for a £580 blouse from French fashion brand Isabel Marant, which featured a round neck and puff sleeves (left) on day three. Meanwhile The wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy , 40, opted for a white and blue vintage £1,316 Chanel patterned dress (right) 

Coleen Rooney arrived at London's High Court wearing a £69.99 blazer and £32.99 cropped trousers from Zara paired with Gucci loafers and  Chanel Flap bag

Rebekah Vardy arrived in a chic monochrome suit which she paired with a white blouse and £1,690 Givenchy handbag

On day four, Coleen arrived at London's High Court wearing a £69.99 blazer and £32.99 cropped trousers from Zara paired with Gucci loafers and  Chanel Flap bag (left)  Rebekah arrived in a chic monochrome suit which she paired with a white blouse and £1,690 Givenchy handbag (right) 

Meanwhile Coleen opted for a more low key, but equally expensive, wardrobe, mixing high street pieces from brands like Zara and The Kooples with expensive Chanel handbags costing up to £4,000. She also spent in the region of £16,600 on the eight-day outing. 

Fashion highlights from Vardy, who has worn some of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's favourite designers during her High Court outings include a yellow tweed co-ord from Alessandra Rich priced at £2,095, matched with a £1,890 bag. 

By contrast on the same day, Coleen showed a comparatively thrifty side, wearing a worn-before Kooples trouser costing £605.

As the case neared its finale on Tuesday, both opted for the drama of darker colours, with Vardy plumping for a smart navy trouser suit while a bare-legged Coleen wore her Gucci loafers with a little black dress. 

And it seems Vardy has been inspired by one of the year's other blockbuster court cases, she appeared to channel Amber Heard in court by sporting a very similar look the actress wore in her own defamation trail earlier this month. Both women styled their jackets, with oversized lapels, with white shirts and black trousers. 

Rebekah Vardy appeared to channel Amber Heard in court today by sporting a very similar look the actress wore in her own defamation trail earlier this month.

It's a look that is very reminiscent of one worn by Amber Heard, 36, earlier this month in Fairfax, Virginia. Both women styled their jackets, with oversized lapels, with white shirts and black trousers.

Inspiration? Rebekah Vardy (left) appeared to channel Amber Heard in court on Friday by sporting a very similar look the actress wore in her own defamation trail earlier this month. Both women styled their jackets, with oversized lapels, with white shirts and black trousers

SUPPORTIVE SPOUSE  

MATCH RESULT:  1-0 TO TEAM ROONEY

Stepping up? Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has largely shelved his footballing commitments during the duration of the trial to be by his wife's side

Stepping up? Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has largely shelved his footballing commitments during the duration of the trial to be by his wife's side

Meanwhile Jamie Vardy stayed focused on the pitch, turning out for Leicester City several times during the trial's duration and missing the first week of action in the Royal Courts of Justice (Pictured on May 17, arriving at court with Rebekah Vardy)

Meanwhile Jamie Vardy stayed focused on the pitch, turning out for Leicester City several times during the trial's duration and missing the first week of action in the Royal Courts of Justice (Pictured on May 17, arriving at court with Rebekah Vardy)

When it comes to dedication, Wayne Rooney has, with the cameras glaring, stepped up for teenage sweetheart wife Coleen, even taking the witness stand to defend her honour. 

The Derby County manager, 36, has appeared on numerous occasions playing the doting husband, carrying heavy (designer label) bags, apparently containing legal documents, into court. 

Meanwhile it's been largely business as usual for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who didn't appear at the High Court during the first week of the libel trial due to his footballing commitments. 

Clearly able to keep his mind on the game, cool as a cucumber Vardy, 35, has scored four times for the Midlands club while the case has been heard.

However he has been by his wife's side on Monday and Tuesday, taking her hand as they walked into court side-by-side.

The Vardys left court early today, shortly after Jamie accused Wayne Rooney of 'talking nonsense'.

FUNNIEST LINE 

MATCH REPORT: 1-0 TO TEAM VARDY

The judge explained to a confused Vardy that the idiom 'Davy Jones' locker' refers to the legendary resting place of sailors who have drowned at sea (as illustrated)

The judge explained to a confused Vardy that the idiom 'Davy Jones' locker' refers to the legendary resting place of sailors who have drowned at sea (as illustrated)

Gemma Collins falling over on ITV's Dancing On Ice in January 2019

Gemma Collins falling over on ITV's Dancing On Ice in January 2019

To be fair, it is quite distracting: Gemma Collins falling over on ITV's Dancing On Ice in January 2019 was the key moment that meant Vardy didn't reply to her agent after she admitted on 'It was me' in a conversation about being a story source

Spat over Sarah Harding's handbag

Among the most bizarre revelations was one concerning Rebekah Vardy and the late Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding. 

The High Court heard how Rebekah got into a heated argument with Sarah at the 2018 National Television Awards after the Girls Aloud singer spotted her rifling through her handbag. 

In a written statement, Coleen said that she was 'aware' that Rebekah had 'provided various pieces of 'behind the scenes' footage for The Sun'.

Coleen claimed: 'She also got in a spat with former Girls Aloud group member Sarah Harding during the 2018 event because Sarah apparently caught Becky taking photographs of the contents of Sarah's handbag when Sarah had dropped it on the floor.

'Their dispute subsequently appeared in The Sun.'

Rebekah is said to have 'come to blows' with Sarah hours after the 2018 NTAs had been broadcast on ITV.

Sarah died from cancer last year. 

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So many moments. And most of the titters in Court 13 have arisen when Vardy has been on the stand. 

A definite runner-up would be the moment that the Leicester City WAG revealed that a crucial conversation between Vardy and her agent Caroline Watt was cut short because Vardy had been distracted by reality star Gemma Collins' 'faceplant' on Dancing on Ice.

In court, Vardy agreed that her publicist Caroline Watt 'appeared to be the source' of a news story on Coleen Rooney's 2019 car crash after the agent admitted 'it was me' in a text message.

But the WAG has told the libel trial that she did not reply to Watt's message because she was distracted by the ice skating fall. 

Vardy was referring to the moment the celebrity tripped and fell face-first on the ice during one of the routines in the ITV show.

The cup for the funniest moment though would probably go for Vardy's bemusement at a nautical reference. It certainly raised the biggest laugh. 

Vardy asked the High Court 'who's Davy Jones?' after Rooney's barrister suggested that a lost mobile phone - thought to be at the bottom of the North Sea - was effectively in 'Davy Jones' locker'.

The High Court burst into laughter after the exchange - which concerned the claim that Rebekah's agent, Caroline Watt, lost her phone containing WhatsApp messages when it fell off a boat into the North Sea. 

Coleen's barrister, David Sherborne, has accused Rebekah of deleting key evidence that, it is said, would prove that Rebekah had been leaking stories to the media.

'We know that Ms Watt's phone is now in Davy Jones' Locker, don't we, Mrs Vardy?' Mr Sherborne said. 

Rebekah then replied: 'I'm sorry, I don't know who Davy Jones is'. 

The judge then had to describe the idiom, which refers to the legendary resting place of sailors who have drowned at sea. 

The incident came 24 hours after Rebekah herself had to explain to Mr Sherborne a rude term that appeared in one of her texts. 

Asked by the barrister what the abbreviation ‘FFS’ meant in one message Rebekah glanced nervously at the judge, who indicated it was all right to swear in court when the evidence demanded it. 

‘For F**** sake’, Rebekah said.

SENSATIONAL STRIKES 

MATCH RESULT: 1-0 TO TEAM ROONEY

 A series of bombshell revelations - many sourced from messages between Vardy and her agent - have perhaps done the most damage to Vardy's reputation in the courtroom...  

There were further reveals on how Vardy leaked news to the media of a drink driving incident involving footballer Danny Drinkwater via her agent, Caroline Watt, although the WAG denied asking Drinkwater for his address so she could send photographers and reporters around to his home

There were further reveals on how Vardy leaked news to the media of a drink driving incident involving footballer Danny Drinkwater via her agent, Caroline Watt, although the WAG denied asking Drinkwater for his address so she could send photographers and reporters around to his home

Feathered friends: How Rebekah compared Coleen to a 'pigeon that s**ts in your hair'

Rebekah likened Coleen Rooney to a 'pigeon that s**ts in your hair', in comments made in a 2019 interview with the Daily Mail, and read out to the High Court by Coleen's barrister David Sherborne.

Asked whether she ever argued with her rival, Rebekah told the interviewer: 'That would be like arguing with a pigeon.

'You can tell it that you are right and it is wrong, but it's still going to s**t in your hair.' 

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January 22, 2019: Coleen Rooney posts a picture on her private Instagram, showing damage to her car after a collision. The next day Rebekah Vardy says in a WhatsApp message to Caroline Watt: 'She's a nasty b***h x' and 'I've taken a big dislike to her!... Would love to leak those stories x'. Rebekah claims her comments were not about Coleen .

January 27 2019: Coleen tweets: 'It's sad to think someone who I have accepted to follow me is betraying for either money or to keep a relationship with the press.' Rebekah sends a WhatsApp message to Mrs Watt: 'U seen Coleen's Twitter.' Mrs Watt replies: 'Such a victim. Poor Coleen... And it wasn't someone she trusted. It was me.'

February 6: Rebekah in messages to Mrs Watt: 'She [Coleen] thinks it's me that's been doing stories on her!... That c*** needs to get over herself!'

October 1: Rebekah says that in a picture on Coleen's

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