Real reason for Coleen Rooney joining I'm A Celebrity in 'calculated move' - expert
Coleen Rooney is set to join I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! A PR expert has outlined why the WAG might be headed for Down Under after the Wagatha Christie scandal
The Wagatha Christie drama may be far from over as Coleen Rooney is set to entertain viewers on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
The WAG, Wayne Rooney's wife, has signed up for the ITV reality show for a reported record sum, with bosses hoping she will spill all about her testing marriage with the former Manchester United player, as well as her feud with Rebekah Vardy. More than five years on from her explosive tweet outing Rebekah for leaking stories about her private life to the press, their high-profile court battle has resurfaced.
After a 2022 ruling in Coleen's favour after Jamie Vardy's wife sued her for defamation, the two returned to court this week, where it was decided costs will not be slashed following an appeal by Rebekah, who had to pick up the majority of Coleen's whopping £1.8m legal bill. And now a PR to the stars claims that Coleen, 38, could be joining the cast Down Under to have the final say on the gripping saga - as Rebekah, 42, continues to declare her innocence.
READ MORE: I'm A Celebrity in talks with Ally McCoist over football legend going into jungle
READ MORE: Coleen Rooney breaks silence on Wagatha case and slams Rebekah Vardy's 'evil' texts
"Coleen's decision to join I'm A Celeb is a fascinating but not an entirely unsurprising move," Mayah Riaz, of Mayah Media, told the Mirror. "This could be a masterstroke in maintaining her public relevance as well as helping her to keep the upper hand in the public narrative following the Wagatha Christie case. Appearing on the show would solidify Coleen's place as a cultural figure who is capable of transcending the WAG stereotype and adapting to the broader entertainment world."
Mayah says that as Coleen dominated headlines during the Wagatha Christie trial, she successfully came across as "intelligent, strategic, and composed." This image further excelled following her hit Disney+ documentary, where she gave audiences an insight into how the turmoil affected her.
However the PR expert says that a stint on reality TV will give the 'polished' mum-of-four a fresh platform to connect with fans on a deeper level, showing a more "vulnerable side" and, in doing so, will win over a new allegiance of fans. "I'm A Celeb extends the public's fascination," Mayah continued.
"It is a natural progression in keeping her story and name alive in the media. By staying in the public eye, she ensures that her brand remains strong, keeping doors open for future media opportunities, whether that be other reality TV appearances, brand partnerships, or even more documentary-style projects.
"Viewers will be able to connect with her on a personal level, watching her face physical challenges, bond with fellow campmates, and be her unfiltered self. This could broaden her appeal and attract new fans, especially those who were indifferent to her before."
The show traditionally sees campmates open up around the fire as they bond over personal anecdotes, with Coleen more than likely to be asked about her famous husband, along with what really went down with Becky. Instead of brushing off questions, she could use it to her advantage in setting the record straight, according to Mayah.
"If she chooses to address it, even in passing, she could control the narrative further, possibly adding new layers to the public's understanding of the situation," Mayah said. "However, she will likely avoid rehashing the nitty-gritty of the case to avoid appearing as though she's milking the story. Instead, it could be a space for her to provide a more personal take on the emotional toll of the situation, which would only add to her reliability."
And the fact that Coleen will follow in the footsteps of her arch-rival, who joined the jungle in 2017, is no coincidence, according to the expert. Becky, who at the time was said to have been the highest-paid contestant, faced brutal trials, missed out on some challenges due to medical issues, and dished the dirt on what the show was really like once she got back to the UK.
"Coleen joining the same show could be perceived as a subtle power move, a reminder that she's still in the spotlight and can command attention on her terms," Mayah claims. "While I doubt the primary goal is to intimidate Rebekah, the symbolism is clear.
"She's stepping into a space where Rebekah had a controversial stint and is doing so at a time when her own public image is riding high. This move might make Rebekah feel like Coleen is not only winning in the courtroom but also owning the narrative within the entertainment world."
Aside from the lucrative lure of signing up to be a participant in the popular programme, with her likely securing one of the highest fees in its history, Mayah sums up her forthcoming appearance as a "clever" business decision. She added: "It's a calculated move and one that builds on the momentum of her legal victory and docuseries positioning her as more than just a WAG. She's evolving into a media-savvy celebrity in her own right, with her own brand and appeal."
Meanwhile, a TV source told the Sunday Mirror : "She's in the jungle and she's going to set the record straight on Wagatha. This is a major coup For ITV. The kids are growing up now. The time is right for Coleen. She's got the potential to go all the way and win this."
Coleen hinted at her shock reality TV debut last month in an interview with the Sunday Mirror. Asked what upcoming projects she had on the horizon, she teased: "You'll be seeing a lot more of me soon."
The Mirror has approached Coleen Rooney's representative.
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