HE was one of football’s dirtiest players, now Vinnie Jones is about to get even muddier fronting a new reality show about the great outdoors.
The former Wimbledon, Leeds and Chelsea midfielder — who was sent off 12 times during his career — will document his life in the south of England where he recently bought a country pad on 147 acres of land.
The six-parter sees a grieving Vinnie, whose wife and childhood sweetheart Tanya died from cancer in July 2019, adjusting to rural life and getting into farming, sparking comparisons with Jeremy Clarkson's series on Prime Video.
A TV insider says: “This show will see Vinnie in a totally different light, where viewers can witness his vulnerable side.
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“It’ll be hugely uplifting and great fun as Vinnie and his family take on living in the country and bonding at the same time.”
The discovery+ series, which has the working title Vinnie Jones: The Wild Life, will also see the Snatch actor attempt to save the local wildlife, something he feels passionate about.
Vinnie says: “Most people know me as a professional footballer or Hollywood hardman, but what they probably don’t know is all of that hard work has been to support my real passion: my home in the great British countryside.
“I was raised living off the land and can’t wait to show people the joy and beauty of our countryside, and the reward of old-fashioned hard work. Bring it on.”
The show is Vinnie’s first major TV project since he starred on Celebrity X Factor in November 2019.
He memorably asked if he could step down from the series after passing the early rounds.
But show boss Simon Cowell flatly refused as he was a fan of Vinnie’s singing and personality — and knew his presence was good for ratings.
Discovery+ bosses will be hoping the same.
LAST TO CRAIC A SMILE
AISLING BEA is featuring in Graham Norton's new Irish comedy series LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland.
The This Way Up star is one of ten Irish comedians, including Jason Byrne and Tony Cantwell, who will be tasked with making each other laugh using every unpredictable comedic tool in the box – without cracking a smile themselves.
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Whoever manages to keep a straight face the longest will win £42,000 for their charity of choice.
The series will be screened on Prime Video and the format has become the most watched title of all time on the streamer in France, Italy and Germany.
BGT JACK IN DREAM BBC FILM
FORMER Britain’s Got Talent star Jack Carroll will feature in a comedy short he has co-written, on BBC Three.
The funnyman, who has cerebral palsy and was runner-up in BGT 2013, has written Mobility, one of 11 mini films that form part of the BBC Comedy Shorts series.
Jack, who plays Mike in the show, says: “It’s been an ambition of mine to write and act in a BBC comedy and I couldn’t be prouder of getting to do that with a project as good as Mobility.
"We had great fun making it and I think that comes across.
“I can’t wait for viewers to join Mike and the gang for a journey on the mobility bus on May 26.
"Watch it and tell a friend, otherwise you’re probably ableist.”
All 11 short films will also be available on iPlayer.
ANNA SET FOR LINE OF FRUITY
MOTHERLAND actress Anna Maxwell Martin is taking her first steps into the world of presenting – hosting Steph’s Packed Lunch this afternoon.
The one-off will see Bafta-winning Anna confront her biggest fear live on air – fruit.
In March she appeared on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway to up her profile in live TV entertainment.
A TV insider says: “Anna wants to prove she has what it takes to front a chat show.
“She’s great fun and popular with viewers, so bosses are confident Anna will be more than an able stand-in for Steph.”
As well as her comedy roles, Anna played no-nonsense DCS Patricia Carmichael in BBC1 cop drama Line of Duty.
But instead of grilling “bent coppers”, she’ll have to make do with interrogating three new Gladiators on Steph McGovern’s Channel 4 show.
Not sure who’s more intimidating.
ROUX’S NEW SERVING
MICHEL ROUX JR’s upcoming Channel 4 cooking show has served up two new judges.
The telly chef will be joined by pastry supremo Ravneet Gill and leading global restaurateur and chef Mike Reid in Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef.
Competitors will be aiming to bag the top prize, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to run The Palm Court restaurant at world-famous hotel, The Langham, London.
Michel says: “The modern restaurant business is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry fuelled by exceptional talent and culinary expertise.
“The three of us share a passion for culinary excellence and eagerly anticipate finding a potential trailblazing chef in this contest.”
The series starts on June 8 at 8pm . . . just in time for my dinner.
