Vinnie Jones‘ wife Tanya has died after a six year battle with cancer.
The footballer turned film star’s beloved wife died at the age of 53, at home in Los Angeles surrounded by her loved ones.
Vinnie’s spokesperson told The Sun: “At 8.46am local time in Los Angeles on Saturday July 6, Vinnie Jones‘ wife, Tanya Jones, passed away after a long illness.
“Tanya passed peacefully at the Jones family home surrounded by Vinnie, their daughter and other family members.
“Vinnie and the family ask for privacy while they go through an understandable period of mourning during this devastating time.”
A source said her condition had got much worse over the last few weeks.
Back in 2013, Vinnie revealed that both he and Tanya were suffering from melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Tanya, who had undergone an emergency heart transplant at the age of 21, had already been treated for cervical cancer twice.
Vinnie found a lump under his eye and a check-up revealed he had malignant melanoma.
Tanya then developed the same illness and they fought it together.
(Image: PA)
(Image: XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM)
A source added: “Tanya had been ill for quite a while. But the last two or three weeks her condition really deteriorated.
“Vinnie has been by her bedside. It’s heartbreaking news.”
The insider said the believed Vinnie had been in the UK and flown back when he heard her condition was getting worse.
Vinnie and Tanya were married in Watford in 1994.
They later moved to LA when Vinnie decided to pursue a career in acting.
He made his film debut in 1998 in Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, playing a mob enforcer.
He also starred in the likes of Mean Machine and X-Men: The Last Stand.
Vinnie earned his reputation as a hardman through his footballing career. He was in a group of players dubbed ‘the Crazy Gang’ during his time at Wimbledon.
Vinnie was rumoured to be joining the line-up of Celebrity X Factor, although if it were true, it’s unlikely he’ll take part given the tragic loss of his wife.
