Coleen Rooney‘s I’m A Celeb appearance could lead to a big payday for Rebekah Vardy.
The WAGs were at the centre of the infamous Wagatha Christie trial in 2022, where Coleen won the libel case against Rebekah, who was accused of leaking stories about her to the press.
Now Coleen’s stint on I’m A Celeb could have Rebekah laughing all the way to the bank, as the Mirror revealed how broadcasters will have to licence the trademark “Wagatha Christie” for use on the show, as Rebekah owns the rights to it.
This comes after just minutes into the show Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough said the infamous phrase as he chose Coleen to join him on the first task, the Mirror reports.
Sources now suggest Rebekah is in line for a hefty payday thanks to her rival Coleen, while the two remain embroiled in an ongoing court battle over legal fees from their 2022 libel case.
Rebekah has been ordered to cover 90% of Coleen’s legal fees, which now total £1.8 million, though she is seeking to reduce the amount.
A source said: “It’s quite funny that Coleen’s involvement is likely to be a money-spinner for Rebekah, given everything that’s gone on.
“Her Wagatha Christie trademark specifically covers broadcast, and the phrase is likely to be used throughout the series and for promo for it – there will surely be some brilliant themed Bushtucker trials. Of course they could refuse to use it altogether, but bosses are likely to want to have some fun with it.”
The phrase may be covered under fair dealing, but commercial use will likely require a licence from the broadcaster, which could cost thousands, depending on how it’s used.
Last year, Rebekah, married to Leicester City footballer Jamie Vardy, successfully trademarked the term in several categories, including Class 38, which covers broadcasting. A source said: “Rebekah has never capitalised on her trademark, she only did it to stop anyone else profiting from it – but it could earn her a nice little sum anyway.”
The phrase was created by an online comedian, who joked that Coleen, wife of former Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney, had played detective like a character in an Agatha Christie novel.
The London Entertainment Inc Ltd trademarked it on Rebekah’s behalf.
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In 2019, Coleen revealed she suspected one of her Instagram followers was leaking stories from her private page to the press.
She shared a now-famous post on twitter, claiming she had blocked everyone from viewing her Instagram stories except one account—Rebekah Vardy’s—and then posted a series of false events that she said were later leaked.
During the 2022 trial, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that Coleen’s post was “substantially true” and ordered Rebekah to cover 90% of her legal costs.
Rebekah’s lawyers informed the court that the £1,833,906.89 bill covered expenses such as a lawyer staying at London’s Nobu Hotel, along with dinner, drinks, and minibar charges.
They stated there was “a ‘kitchen sink’ approach” to the calculations, which included £120,000 in costs to which Coleen “had no entitlement.” The court also heard that her barrister, David Sherborne, charged £497,850.
Earlier this month, costs judge Andrew Gordon-Sake said there had been no misconduct from Coleen’s team.
A detailed assessment of the costs is expected to take place next year.
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