Episode 1 of 2.
Michael Sheen (The Queen, Frost/Nixon, Quiz) stars in the dramatic recreation of the sensational ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial – one of the most extraordinary libel cases ever to be brought before the High Court.
Created from the real court transcripts from the case, this drama tells the story of a digital-age whodunnit, as Rebekah Vardy (Natalia Tena) bids to sue Coleen Rooney (Chanel Cresswell) for defamation. Stemming from the real-life events of Coleen Rooney’s 2019 tweet accusing fellow footballer’s wife Rebekah Vardy of selling stories about her, this jaw-dropping trial has captivated the nation and the world in the process.
In the first of this two-part drama, Rebekah equips herself with a diligent legal team, led by the experienced media law specialist Hugh Tomlinson QC (Simon Coury). But the last-minute withdrawal of one of her most important witnesses, her former PR agent and friend Caroline Watt, provides an unforeseen twist to the tale.
As Rebekah enters the witness stand, she faces cross-examination from the opposition, Coleen’s formidable barrister, David Sherborne (Michael Sheen). Rebekah has three days to refute the validity of Coleen’s claims, though Sherborne has other ideas as he presents a profile of Rebekah’s past that proves potentially damning.
The mysterious role of Caroline Watt soon comes into question, as startling WhatsApp messages between the pair are revealed, shocking the courtroom. As accusations of mud-slinging creep into proceedings, an exhausted and emotional Rebekah reaches breaking point.
Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama
Wednesday at 9.00pm on Channel 4.
Image: Marcell Piti.
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