Rebekah Vardy is set to make a high-profile return to television with a new reality series, The Vardys, premiering on ITV1 and ITVX. The three-part documentary follows the family as they relocate from Lincolnshire to Italy, where her footballer husband Jamie Vardy has joined the Serie A club Cremonese. The show, however, is already drawing comparisons and criticism, with some insiders dubbing it a less extravagant version of Coleen Rooney’s forthcoming Disney+ series, The Rooneys.

A Lingering Rivalry

Despite the new chapter in Italy, it appears Coleen Rooney remains a significant presence in Rebekah Vardy’s thoughts. Sources suggest the choice of title for her show, confirmed after The Rooneys, is a deliberate move. “It’s like Coleen has been staying rent-free in Rebekah’s head for the past four years,” a source commented, indicating that the fallout from their highly publicized legal battle continues to influence Vardy’s public actions.

The 2022 High Court ruling, which found Coleen Rooney’s accusations of story leaks to be “substantially true” and ordered Rebekah Vardy to pay £1.19 million in legal costs, has clearly left a lasting impact. Vardy, however, remains defiant. In the new series, she is quoted as saying, “I’m living with the judgment the judge made but, still to this day, I believe she was wrong. People constantly go: ‘Well, it’s not going to change anything unless you apologize.’ But I’m not apologizing for something I didn’t do… it’s never going to happen.””

Unfulfilled Ambitions and Media Scrutiny

Beyond the legal dispute, reports suggest Vardy harbored aspirations of mirroring Coleen Rooney’s success, including a coveted appearance on the cover of Vogue. “Becky has long dreamed of appearing on the front of Vogue,” an associate revealed. “She knows her worth and she knows the level of interest in her.” However, sources within the fashion publication indicate this opportunity did not materialize, adding another layer to the perceived rivalry.

The production of The Vardys by ITV is understood to have involved a more modest financial commitment compared to the reported £10 million deal for The Rooneys’ ten-episode series. The fact that Vardy’s show is airing first is seen as her only perceived advantage. However, this renewed focus on the past is causing concern for those involved in the original “Wagatha Christie” case.

Betrayal and Lingering Anxieties

Among those apprehensive about the series is Rebekah Vardy’s former manager, Caroline Watt. Once considered close confidantes, their relationship reportedly fractured during the trial. Evidence presented in court highlighted exchanges where Vardy used derogatory language towards Rooney. The disappearance of Watt’s iPhone during a family boat trip, which prevented its use as evidence, was noted by the judge, who suggested it was “likely” Watt had passed information to the press, with Vardy’s knowledge and condoning of such actions.

Following their professional separation, Watt has largely withdrawn from the entertainment industry, reportedly feeling betrayed by Vardy. Friends of Watt are reportedly angered by the resurfacing of the saga, viewing the new show as a bid for financial gain. “To come back all these years later with this sort of aggressive stance is astonishing,” one friend stated. “It’s the sort of thing only Becky could do.” The friend added that Watt is now trying to live a quiet life and that Vardy dredging up the past will cause her significant anxiety.

Moments of Vulnerability and Future Plans

While the new series delves into past controversies, it also offers glimpses into other aspects of the Vardy family’s life. Rebekah Vardy emotionally recounts the experience of a burglary at their Italian home, where £80,000 worth of belongings were stolen, describing feelings of violation and constant vigilance. The show also touches upon the challenges their daughter Sophia has faced adjusting to a new school and environment.

Vardy expresses joy in the relative anonymity she has experienced living abroad, describing it as a “way to reset and move on.” However, with Cremonese’s recent relegation, the family is reportedly planning a return to the UK. Sources suggest Jamie Vardy is keen for a “final hurrah” in English football before retiring. Despite past ventures, including a failed alcoholic drinks brand, Rebekah Vardy is reportedly determined to revive her public image, having hired publicist Ben Todd.

Throughout these endeavors, her husband Jamie Vardy remains a supportive figure. A friend remarked, “Jamie knows she loves all this stuff. He’s happy she’s finding things to focus on. As long as it doesn’t cost him millions all over again, he’ll be fine.”