Vinnie’s new love
Once known as a hardman both on and off the pitch, Vinnie Jones has finally found love again, five years after the death of his darling wife Tanya Terry…
Former footballer Vinnie Jones, 59, celebrated 11 years sober last week – and he’s revealed that isn’t the only thing he’s thankful for. The longtime friend of producer Guy Ritchie is in a ‘fantastic’ relationship with PA Emma Ford – five years after claiming he would never be happy again after the death of his wife, Tanya.
The hardman, who has returned to acting as the star of Netflix’s The Gentleman, has explained how Emma, who he calls ‘Blondie’, calmed him down when she worked on his show Vinnie Jones In The Country.
Vinnie still believes he’ll never entirely get over the death of his wife. Despite being the longest surviving heart transplant recipient (which she got in her 20s), Tanya died tragically from cancer at 53. Her husband was inconsolable, but if there’s one thing we can all guarantee, it’s that life changes. And Vinnie says his new relationship proves ‘a flower can grow and bloom’ even in the darkest of times.
In a recent interview, the dad-of-two (to daughter Kaley, 37, and son Aaron, 33) revealed: ‘Moving forwards, we meet other people that we are fond of and we fall in love with and vice versa. Maybe she’s calmed me down a little bit. Maybe she brings a different perspective to it all for me.’
This is unexpected but welcome news from a man who once stated: ‘I will never be with anyone else. She [Tanya] was the light of my life. I’m a shell – I might have friends or whatever, I would be astonished if that happens.’
Like Vinnie, Emma has also decided her life is better without alcohol.
Talking as a mental health advocate, Vinnie maintained that alcohol was ‘the worst drug on the planet’ and encouraged the sober-curious, ‘If I can quit, believe me; you can and your life will be a million per cent better. I guarantee it.’
Just last week, it was reported that the star was also offered big bucks to appear in the latest production of the Only Fools And Horses musical on the West End.
Three decades ago, at the height of the hell-raising young footballer’s career, no one could have imagined that either.
Moral of this story? Never say never.
‘She brings a different perspective’