Hollywood superstar and former footballer Vinnie Jones is embarking on a new chapter in his life, and it’s not in the glitz and glam of Hollywood or the adrenaline-filled stadiums of football. Instead, he’s set to star in an upcoming documentary series, often referred to as the ‘next Clarkson’s Farm‘, in collaboration with Lime Pictures, the creative minds behind popular shows like Hollyoaks and Geordie Shore.
This new venture comes on the heels of a heartbreaking event in Vinnie’s life – the passing of his wife, Tanya, in July 2019 due to cancer. Struggling to cope with the loss, Vinnie made the difficult decision to sell their homes in Watford and Los Angeles, unable to bear the thought of living there without Tanya. However, grief hasn’t deterred him. Instead, he’s pushed himself beyond his comfort zone, first by participating in Celebrity X-Factor in 2019 and now by taking on this inspiring project.
The documentary series will focus on Vinnie’s journey as he transforms his 147-acre farm in Petworth, West Sussex, into a sustainable agribusiness. This new life is not just a means of coping but also a way for him to embrace his true passion – the British countryside. Raised with a deep connection to the land, Vinnie aims to share the beauty and rewards of the countryside with others, emphasizing the value of hard work and the joys of living close to nature.
In a statement, Vinnie expressed his excitement, stating, “Most people know me as a footballer or Hollywood tough guy, but my real passion lies in the British countryside. I can’t wait to showcase its beauty and the satisfaction that comes from traditional hard work. Bring it on.”
The series will follow Vinnie and his team as they implement conservation methods, restore habitats, and attract wildlife, showcasing a similar premise to Jeremy Clarkson’s popular show, ‘Clarkson’s Farm’. Despite living in one of the most expensive areas in England, Vinnie’s farm will serve as the backdrop for this transformational journey.
Locals in the area have already started buzzing with excitement. One resident mentioned how their quaint village of Lurgashall, just miles away from Petworth, has seen its fair share of celebrity visitors, including rugby player Tim Rodber and occasional pub-goer Chris Evans. Vinnie Jones himself has made appearances in the village shop, adding to the community’s anticipation for the show.
The series has been commissioned by Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland, with Clare Laycock, SVP head of Content, Networks & Streaming, expressing their delight in bringing Vinnie’s heartwarming story to Discovery+. They praised Vinnie’s charisma, determination, and unexpected gentleness, all of which will undoubtedly shine through in the series, offering viewers a chance to see a new side of the tough footballer – a true country gentleman.
Becky Cadman, Lime Pictures’ creative director of Format & Talent, added, “Expect chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of heart” from this upcoming series. As Vinnie Jones steps into this new role, audiences can look forward to a genuine and inspiring story of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of embracing the beauty of the British countryside.
