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COUNTRY JOY
Vinnie Jones set to open up on new romance after tragic loss of wife Tanya in fly-on-the-wall series
Vinnie and Tanya were married for 25 years and she died in July 2019 aged 53
HAVING only just gone public with a new relationship, Vinnie Jones will be opening up about the romance in a second series of his show In The Country.
The footballer-turned-actor talks about the first tentative steps with partner, and PA, Emma Ford, five years after his wife Tanya died of cancer.
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The latest instalment of the Discovery+ show, which follows his life in rural Sussex, has yet to be officially given the go-ahead, but filming is expected to start next month.
A TV insider said: “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.
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“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.”
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Tanya was his childhood sweetheart.
They were married for 25 years and she died in July 2019 aged 53.
Vinnie Jones admits he fights off 'massive weight of grief' every day and reflects on 'brutal' lockdown after wife's death
In 2022, Vinnie moved to a 2,000-acre countryside site based around a collection of run-down agricultural buildings.
The TV series, which aired in 2023, saw him transform them over one long, stressful summer.
As he turns 60 next year, Vinnie seems to be starting a new chapter, particularly after the huge success of The Gentlemen, in which he appeared.
I wish him every happiness.
Stan and Eiza join youth club
STANLEY TUCCI and Eiza Gonzalez made sure they wrapped up for our unpredictable spring weather while filming scenes for Guy Ritchie’s new drama Fountain Of Youth.
I can reveal the pair have joined a glittering cast for the heist adventure.
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The line-up also includes John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, who have already filmed in Bangkok and Vienna.
It follows director Guy’s hugely successful British-based Netflix drama The Gentlemen.
The new Apple film sees John and Natalie play estranged siblings who, as the movie title suggests, go in search of a font with the power of immortality.
Domhnall Gleeson, who played baddie General Armitage Hux in the most recent Star Wars flicks, also features.
Dressed in a suit, he chatted through scenes with Guy and was spotted throwing a punch during the filming.
Davina: My D-Day honour
DAVINA McCALL is to front ITV’s coverage of the D-Day 80th anniversary, I can reveal.
It will re-tell the story of the Normandy landings and battles through a mix of music and archive, with letters and diary entries charting the events of June 6, 1944.
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The show will feature the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra along with performances from Katherine Jenkins, Emeli Sande and Lulu.
There will also be a TV exclusive of song Dear Bill from West End show Operation Mincemeat.
But the real stars of the show on June 9 will be some of the last-remaining D-Day and Normandy veterans.
Davina said: “I feel truly honoured to be part of this very special event, telling the stories of incredible people who sacrificed so much.”
Awards return for Joel
THE race to win a National Television Award is about to get under way.
A longlist of categories and potential winners will be released ahead of the ceremony on September 11, and The Sun is publishing it tomorrow.
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Joel Dommett is returning for the fourth year running to host awards night, at the O2 in London.
Also coming back is the “Experts” category, with the Strictly judges, Dragons from Dragons’ Den as well as Prue Leith, Kaleb Cooper and Simon Cowell all in the running.
Joel said: “I’m returning to host the biggest awards show in television.
“So much to look forward to, so many awards, so many faces. It’s gonna be huge.
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“The TV Expert category is back –one of my faves – and I am back – one of my mum’s faves.
“Keep your eyes peeled for the vote opening – and make it count.”