The story of British Twitter’s most talked about trial is about to hit screens, just in time for your pre-Christmas viewing. 

Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama – a two-part dramatic retelling of the “Wagatha Christie” trial – is coming to Channel 4 this week, and might just be the courtroom drama we’ve all been waiting for. 

It all started back in 2019 with the now infamous words of Colleen Rooney: “It’s ………Rebekah Vardy’s account” and public interest was re-energised with the High Court trial that kicked off in May.

Then, on 29 July this year, things finally came to a head in the courts, with a High Court judge ruling that Coleen Rooney’s iconic Instagram post outing Rebekah Vardy for leaking stories to The Sun newspaper was “substantially true”.

While the trial wasn’t allowed to be televised, we soon learned that Channel 4 were busy plotting their own take on things with a new series that will place us directly in the whole messy affair.

Here’s everything you need to know about it. 

What is Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama going to be about?

The two-part series has been described as a “dramatic reconstruction” of the Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney libel court case that gripped the nation this year.

As the synopsis reads: “Dubbed the #WagathaChristie case when it first unfolded on social media in 2019, this two-part drama-documentary will recreate the high court defamation case that followed.

“Using the real court transcripts verbatim, Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama will bring viewers all of the incredible and unbelievable moments from a case that was not allowed to be televised.” 

When and where will Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama be available to watch?

The series will be split into two parts – part one will air on Channel 4 and All4 on Wednesday 21 December, with the second half airing the following day on Thursday 22 December.

Watch this space – we predict Vardy v Rooney will serve up the perfect, delicious pre-Christmas drama that we all need.

Is Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama a drama or a documentary?

It’s a bit of both and has been described as a “drama documentary”. 

It is, of course, based on real events so will use dramatised elements as well as real-life discourse. According to the synopsis, “scenes from the courtroom will be juxtaposed with analysis from the media and on social media, while actors will play the parts of the main protagonists including Rebekah Vardy, Coleen Rooney, Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy”.

Who will star in Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama?

Game Of Thrones and Harry Potter actress Natalia Tena will play Rebekah Vardy, and Bafta-winning This Is England star Chanel Cresswell will play Coleen Rooney. 

Wayne Rooney will be played by Pride star Dion Lloyd and Jamie Vardy by newcomer Marci Nagyszokolyai. Michael Sheen is also confirmed to play the part of Coleen Rooney’s barrister David Sherborne. The Bafta-nominated actor has history in playing real-life figures, depicting everyone from Tony Blair to Chris Tarrant on screen. 

The real-life Sherborne is known for representing high-profile clients including Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as for his exuberant personality and perma-tan that has seen him nicknamed “orange sherbert” by associates.

Simon Coury is set to play Vardy’s lawyer Hugh Tomlinson KC, whose clientele has included a string of footballers including David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole, as well as King Charles III. 

What has been said about Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama?

Oonagh Kearney, who is directing, said: “This trial utterly captivated the public with its daily feed of entertaining exchanges and jaw-dropping reveals. But behind this is a story of two women under constant public scrutiny, fighting for their reputations. It’s a privilege to work with Channel 4, writer Chris Atkins and the fantastic Chalkboard team to peel back the layers of this story and reveal the beating hearts within.”

Alf Lawrie, head of factual entertainment at Channel 4 said: “More outlandish than a storyline from Footballers Wives, this High Court case gripped the nation. Now, using court transcripts, this factual dramatisation will allow viewers to see for themselves the courtroom drama in one of the most infamous trials of recent times, bringing to life a case that encapsulated so much about the British cultural landscape in the 21st century.”

Finally, Tom Popay, creative director at Chalkboard, who is producing the drama, said: “The #WagathaChristie phenomenon has become one of the most talked about moments in the history of social media.

“The court case that followed has captivated the entire nation but very few people actually got to see what happened inside the courtroom. We’re excited to bring the trial to life in such a unique way and we’re hoping we can get to the bottom of how this case fascinated and amazed so many.” 

Images: Getty; Channel 4