X Factor legend’s transformation into Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t disappoint

Diana Vickers has embodied Gwyneth Paltrow for the upcoming new musical parody I Wish You Well based on her ski trial.

To retell the story of one of the biggest pop culture moments, the 33-year-old singer has not only put shoes on but also an eye-catching pink ski suit.

She paired the bold garment with a pair of ski goggles that she placed on top of her head.

In the promotional shots for the Edinburgh Fringe show, which will debut next month, Diana was joined by other characters that will bring the courtroom shenanigans to life on stage.

Idriss Kargbo will be Judge Jude – the actual judge was called Holmberg so it’s clear they will be taking plenty of artistic license to create a fun performance, while Marc Antolin will play Terry Sanderson – the man who took Gwyneth to court, and Tori Allen-Martin is his attorney Kristin.

The foursome posed together for some playful snaps at the University of Edinburgh giving an inclination of what a hoot the production will be.

The script will be based on the 2023 ski trial, which saw retired optometrist Terry try to sue Gwyneth over an incident at Deer Valley Resort in Utah seven years prior. Terry claimed that he was left with several broken ribs and severe head injuries.

While he was seeking $300,000 in damages, Gwyneth filed a counterclaim for $1, saying the 76-year-old had crashed into her, resulting in her losing ‘half a day of skiing’ with her family.

She was eventually cleared of all fault, but not before the public became incredibly invested in what was playing out, which was also filmed and streamed online.

At the conclusion of the case, Gwyneth, 51, approached Terry and whispered something in his ear, which he later said was: ‘I wish you well,’ which has now inspired the musical’s title.

The show has got some big theatre names behind it – it will be directed by Shiv Rabheru (resident director on Hamilton), produced by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers the Musical), and choreographed by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips. Musical direction by Debbi Clark will feature.

Diana excitedly revealed she’d been cast in the musical earlier this year, stating that it was going to be ‘iconic’.

‘Thank you @gwynethpaltrow for bringing us the moment we never knew we needed,’ she wrote on Instagram.

‘So excited to be working with the most powerhouse team!’

The star is no stranger to iconic, having featured in arguably the most-talked-about season of X Factor in 2008.

The fourth series gave us moments that still do the rounds on social media 16 years later including JLSJB Gill saying Merry Christmas, Alexandra Burke dueting with Beyoncé and let’s not forget, Holly Jervis’ ‘Can I take my specs off?’ audition.

Of course, there was also Diana’s bare-footed performances that took her all the way to the semi-finals, with some help from Cheryl’s mentorship.

Following the now-defunct reality show, she signed with record label RCA and released the number-one single Once. Diana brought out two albums – the most recent in 2013 – and also pursued acting in the West End remake The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, the touring production of The Rocky Horror Show and the Comedy Central series Give Out Girls.

In lockdown, she began the Ki & Dee: The Podcast alongside her friend Kiara Hunter, where they discuss their lives and write catchy songs. ‘Part stand-up comedy, part mental breakdown, Ki & Dee: The Podcast will be anything but boring,’ they promise.

Speaking about her latest project of I Wish You Well with Metro.co.uk, Diana shared what she believes Gwyneth thinks about it all.

‘I think she has reacted to it because I think I know a friend of a friend and I think that she’s just very amused by it,’ Diana speculates.

‘She’s coming across really well,’ Diana insists. ‘We’re being very good towards her. There’s a song that’s just saying how great and funny she was in Shallow Hal and how great she sings in Glee. There’s no hate there, it’s just all love and fun.’