Inside the headquarters of the entertainment channel U&W in London, executives are deliberating a significant decision regarding a potential documentary series centred on Rebekah Vardy, the 43-year-old wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. This follows a lengthy and public legal dispute with fellow WAG Coleen Rooney, which ultimately culminated in a £1.6 million legal fee for Vardy. The trial, widely dubbed the 'Wagatha Christie' case, began in 2019 and has been a source of immense media interest.
Negotiations for a fly-on-the-wall documentary have reportedly been ongoing for several months, with Vardy expressing a strong interest in the project. The network has already commissioned a pilot episode, but has yet to make a decision on whether to proceed with a full series. The prospect of a documentary is appealing to Vardy, as it could assist in revitalising her public image and providing a financial boost in the wake of her recent legal strains.
The envisioned series promises to provide viewers unprecedented access to Vardy's life, including her £3 million luxury residence in Lincolnshire, and insights into her role as a mother of five children. Despite this enticing proposition, executives at U&W remain cautious regarding the public’s perception of Vardy. The network is primarily aimed at a female audience, and there are concerns about whether Vardy's historically unfavourable public persona will garner sufficient viewer interest.
After the High Court’s ruling in her legal battle, Vardy expressed a distinctly different tone compared to previous communications. In her statement, she conveyed that she was 'respectfully disappointed' with the outcome and signalled a desire to 'move on and look to the future', a sentiment that marks a shift from her previous reactions characterised by criticism and aggression toward the judiciary.
Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that there is uncertainty within the U&W executive team about Vardy’s readiness for a rebooted public image, with some questioning whether her perceived past behaviour could deter potential viewers. As one insider noted, "the problem some of the execs have is whether the public like her enough to tune in".
The legal dispute with Coleen Rooney stemmed from Rooney's investigative efforts to detect who was leaking details about her personal life to the press, which ultimately pointed to Vardy. The ensuing courtroom battle saw the High Court rule that Vardy's assertions were 'substantially true', significantly damaging her public reputation.
As a counterpoint, Rooney has secured a noteworthy deal with Disney+ for her own fly-on-the-wall documentary valued at £10 million. This move has led to contrasting images of the two women, influencing perceptions and decisions related to their respective media opportunities.
In addition to the documentary prospects, Vardy and her husband face pressing concerns regarding financial stability. Jamie Vardy’s contract with Leicester City is set to expire in June, and there are indications that he may not be playing in the Premier League for much longer. As Jamie gears up for what could be a transition towards retirement from professional football, the couple's combined wealth, estimated at £15 million, is under scrutiny regarding its sustainability.
Rebekah Vardy's recent strategic changes, including parting ways with an agent described as difficult and replacing them with a more amiable representative, suggest an awareness of the need for a rebranding. Industry insiders have noted that her past actions may hinder her ability to connect with audiences, but there remains a belief that with the right approach, Vardy can tap into a renewed fan base.
The ongoing discussions at U&W highlight the complexities and challenges involved in crafting a documentary around a figure as polarising as Rebekah Vardy, as executives weigh both the potential entertainment value and the existing public sentiment against her past conduct.
Source: Noah Wire Services