Coleen Rooney has taken a fresh swipe at her former friend Rebekah Vardy by cashing in on their infamous Wagatha Christie feud once again. The 39-year-old WAG stars in a new Paddy Power advert, reviving her viral catchphrase from the court case that captivated the nation — “It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.”
Coleen's newest swipe
Coleen has reignited her Wagatha Christie fame by starring in a new Paddy Power advert alongside Danny Dyer, Peter Crouch and Gemma Collins. The commercial cleverly references her detective-style revelation from 2019, when she accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories from her private Instagram account. In the advert, Dyer plays a casino boss who receives a text from Coleen reading “It’s… Gemma Collins,” a direct nod to her now-legendary post that broke the internet.
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The campaign marks another chapter in Coleen’s ability to turn a moment of public scandal into long-term personal success. Her original 2019 accusation sent shockwaves through the celebrity world and social media, coining the now-iconic “Wagatha Christie” nickname and sparking one of Britain’s most talked-about libel trials. Despite intense scrutiny and the emotional toll of the case, Coleen emerged vindicated — while Rebekah’s reputation suffered significantly following the High Court ruling.
Rebekah, who is married to former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, was ordered to pay 90 percent of Coleen’s £1.4 million legal costs after Mrs Justice Steyn found that Coleen’s claims were “substantially true.” The fallout left Rebekah’s finances and public image in disarray, while Coleen’s brand power soared. Since then, the mother of four has managed to convert what could have been a career setback into an empire — balancing her public image as both a family figure and a business-savvy celebrity who knows how to command attention.
Paddy Power's cheeky idea
The new Paddy Power advert cleverly builds on Coleen’s renewed popularity, drawing heavily from her real-life role as a “silent assassin” in the courtroom saga. Featuring her alongside big personalities like Dyer, Collins, and Crouch, the commercial playfully leans into the humour and intrigue that made the Wagatha saga unforgettable. A TV insider told The Sun: “Even after all these years, people are obsessed with the Wagatha Christie case and Coleen’s detective work. The whole ordeal was a nightmare for Coleen at the time but she’s since made a lot of money from the experience and is happy to capitalise on it.”
It’s the second time Paddy Power has tapped into her pop culture legacy, following an earlier viral sketch where she “investigated” Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play breaches. The brand’s decision to bring her back underscores how Coleen’s story has transcended gossip pages and become a cornerstone of British entertainment culture. Her natural charisma, combined with a sharp sense of humour about her public persona, makes her a perfect fit for the tongue-in-cheek world of Paddy Power’s marketing.
GettyWhat comes next?
Coleen’s growing influence in media and advertising suggests her “detective” brand has more staying power than anyone expected. After turning the courtroom drama into a hit Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, she continues to branch out — from celebrity TV appearances to lucrative commercial deals. Her foray into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! further solidified her as a relatable and self-aware figure who’s comfortable laughing at her own past while staying firmly in control of her narrative.
Reflecting on her latest role, Coleen said: “I’ve been watching the same game almost my entire life, so it’s nice to have a bit of variety for once. I loved getting dressed up and stepping into the madness of a Paddy Power casino world – Danny played the role of casino boss perfectly, plus I got to reprise my role as head of investigations… what more could you want!” If her latest campaign is any indication, Coleen Rooney’s evolution from footballer’s wife to media mainstay shows no signs of slowing down — and her ability to blend humour, humility, and brand power keeps her firmly in the public spotlight.