Mail Online

Vardy ‘blacklisted’ after leak claims

By Katie Hind and Scarlet Howes

REBEKAH VARDY has told friends that she went through ‘hell’ during the Wagatha Christie libel trial – but remains glad that she brought the case against her WAG rival Coleen Rooney.

The 40-year-old spent two days on the witness stand being grilled by Mrs Rooney’s legal team, breaking down in tears on several occasions. But a friend revealed Mrs Vardy remains defiant, saying: ‘I asked her how she was getting on and she said it was hellish but worth it.’

Mrs Justice Steyn is expected to deliver her verdict later this year but Mrs Vardy may find it hard to get TV exposure until the judgment is delivered.

‘It wouldn’t surprise me if Rebekah is blacklisted from the TV industry as there is a fear that regardless of whether or not she leaked stories about Coleen, other talent may not want to appear on programmes with her,’ said an industry insider.

In evidence released on Friday after lawyers delivered their closing statements, it emerged that Mrs Vardy lost out on a book deal and a lucrative endorsement contract after Mrs Rooney made her claim that she was the source of media leaks.

Meanwhile, one unlikely beneficiary from the trial has emerged: a vegan food firm.

Beyond Meat, a US company that produces plant-based meat substitutes, signed up Peter Andre to lead a marketing campaign before Mrs Vardy’s chipolata jibe about the singer’s manhood dominated the headlines. It is understood that Andre, who is best-known for his Mysterious Girl chart hit and marriage to Katie Price, will be offering tips on how to host the ultimate barbecue. The firm’s range includes plant-based burgers and sausages.

The 49-year-old has previously declared himself to be a ‘flexitarian’ – a casual vegetarian who occasionally eats meat – but in January said his wife had almost convinced him to transition to a plant-based diet.

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