‘It’ll get nasty – I’m worried about what’s to come’

Former WAG Lizzie Cundy knows both Coleen and Rebekah, having spent time with Coleen at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. And Lizzie, who was married to former Chelsea footballer Jason Cundy for 18 years, fears one of her friends will be left with a reputation beyond repair.

She says, “I’ve said before that the best way for the two of them to deal with this would be sitting down and working together to find the truth – I’d have happily sat down with them. But their attempt at mediation hasn’t worked and I’m not particularly surprised. Both are extremely strong, defiant women who want justice. The knife is even sharper when it’s a friend and also a fellow WAG – which is why neither of them are backing down. And both of them are clearly 100 per cent sure they’re in the right, so will go into the trial gung-ho.

“I’m worried about what’s to come. They may be about to ruin both their lives. We’ve seen the intense coverage with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, and this is going to be just as sought after. Fans will all have the popcorn out – there’s going to be character assassination and it’s going to get nasty. Coleen is fiercely protective of her family, and has had negative press stories in the past, so I’m nervous for her and for what will have to be shown as evidence. I’m worried for them both – at the end, one of them is going to have a reputation in ruins and feel extremely embarrassed.

“I really hope that one day a friendship between them can be salvaged – but taking it to court makes it very unlikely.”