The latest reminder that endings are never as clear-cut as we are led to believe from fairytales is Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney. The so-called Wagatha Christie imbroglio was back in court this week, this time before Mr Justice Cavanagh and acting Senior Costs Judge Rowley.

Vardy is appealing the £1.8m indemnity costs order made against her after she lost her libel action against fellow footballer’s wife Rooney.

Vardy alleges misconduct over Rooney’s costs budget, which she claims was ‘substantially understated’. Vardy says she declared the full amount of her own – and that Rooney’s legal team’s failure to do so was remiss.

Rooney’s team denied any misconduct. Last year the now-retired Costs Judge Gordon-Saker agreed. And so arose this appeal.

Judgment was reserved but even when it arrives there is potential for yet more sparring. Obiter understands that a line-by-line costs assessment listed for two weeks is in the works. Who says all good things must come to an end?

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