Vinnie Jones ‘to open up about new romance in second series of In the Country’

Vinnie Jones will reportedly open up about his new romance in a second series of his ‘In the Country’ series.

The 59-year-old former footballer-turned actor – who is enjoying the huge success of Netflix gangster show ‘The Gentlemen’ in which he plays a groundskeeper – has been dating his personal assistant Emma Ford, 47, five years after his childhood sweetheart wife Tanya died from cancer aged 53.

A TV insider told The Sun about how the romance will feature in the latest instalment of his Discovery+ show – which shows his life in rural Sussex: “‘In the Country’ was a sensation when it first aired, because it showed a very different side to Vinnie, who most people think of as a hardman on the pitch and the movie screen.

“In fact, images of him being at one with nature and tackling important issues, including men’s mental health, helped make it one of Discovery’s biggest shows.

“So it’s not a shock to learn it’s coming back.”

The source went on: “More of a surprise is the fact Vinnie and Emma’s relationship will be seen on screen for the first time. They actually fell in love during the creation of the first series, and eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted the signs that they were growing closer.

“But Vinnie is very conscious of the sensitivities surrounding his new relationship.

“The loss of beloved Tanya still feels raw to her friends and family.

“The last thing he would want to do is upset anyone, but he also wants to be honest and open.”

The Sun reported the new series of Vinnie’s show is “yet to be officially given the go-ahead”, but said filming is expected to start next month.

Vinnie was married to Tanya for 25 years before her death in July 2019, and three years later the ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ actor

moved to his 2,000-acre country estate.

His ‘In the Country’ show started in 2023 and saw him tackle transforming a series of dilapidated buildings on its grounds.

Vinnie fell for former model Emma while shooting the show and the pair were spotted in April on holiday together in California.