If you could be anywhere to await the verdict of your multimillion-pound libel trial, you might as well be on the beach. At least, that seems to be the attitude of Wayne and Coleen Rooney, who jetted off on holiday as their lawyer read his closing statement in court last week. And after a stressful few weeks – well, years – for the couple, as they finally faced Rebekah Vardy in court for the “Wagatha Christie” trial, an insider tells us the Rooneys are actually in a better place than ever.
“Even a few weeks back, the looming trial was threatening to destroy a marriage that had already been tested again and again, but it has ended up being the thing that’s brought Coleen and Wayne back together,” an insider tells heat.
“Wayne has really shown up for Coleen when she needed him and been a total rock for her. As far as he was concerned, there was never a question over whether he would sit by her side every day and fight her corner, which was a little unexpected for even Coleen, as this trial has caused more rows and tears than anything else they’ve gone through.”
On the witness stand last week, Wayne, 36, explained how difficult it had been for him to watch Coleen, also 36, be accused of libel, revealing, “I’ve watched my wife over the past two, two-and-a-half years, really struggle with everything that’s gone on... Become a different mother, a different wife… It’s been very traumatic.”
And while he acknowledged that any abuse Rebekah Vardy received was “disgusting”, he was firm that he was “here to support my wife”, adding, “Hopefully, whatever the judgment is, my wife, our children, can go on and live our lives. This isn’t something we want to be part of.”
The former footballer – who had to listen to his previous cheating scandals being discussed in court – admitted the trial was the first time he’d learned in detail about the “Wagatha Christie” row, but our source explains this didn’t mean his support was ever in doubt.
“Wayne was dead against the court case. It’s been nothing but stress, drama, legal bills, and embarrassment. He was horrified at the idea of how much of his private life would be brought up. But he was also 100 per cent in Coleen’s corner. Having him by her side took Coleen by surprise – knowing that Wayne was still her fiercest defender and that he would do whatever it takes for her was very emotional for Coleen. For her, there was a sense of validation. She does struggle with knowing that people think they’re a bit of a joke, but now people can see how much they do care for each other and see the bonds between them.”
While the Rooneys are now enjoying time with their four sons (Kai, 12, Klay, nine, Kit, six, and Cass, three), during the trial, the couple stayed alone in the five-star Nobu Hotel in London, where suites can cost up to £3.5k a night. Our insider tells us that even if the circumstances were stressful, the two appreciated the time away together.
“It was the first time in years that they’d been alone like this. They talked more these past two weeks than they have the past two years, and it’s been quite emotional,” our insider reveals.
“It’s really brought them back together – for once on the same team, with the same enemy. Coleen was always keenly aware that Becky had Jamie’s support, and they always seemed so loved-up, while everyone thought her marriage to Wayne was a joke. Now, she feels she’s walking out of this with her head held high, and just knowing the world can see it’s her and Wayne in this together is enough for her.”