Vinnie Jones seen with new love Emma Ford for first time since romance was revealed – after wife tragedy

VINNIE Jones has been seen for the first time with his new girlfriend Emma Ford since it was revealed he has found love again.

Last week The Sun revealed the footballer-turned-actor, 59, fell for personal assistant Emma Ford while filming his TV show Vinnie Jones In The Country.

Vinnie has been seen for the first time with his new girlfriendCredit: Splash

The footballer-turned-actor has found love with his personal assistant EmmaCredit: Splash

The couple stayed at the restaurant for two hours before driving off in Vinnie's Bentley — The couple stayed at the restaurant for two hours before driving off in Vinnie’s BentleyCredit: Splash

The new couple were snapped on holiday in California looking very loved-up as they headed for dinner.

Vinnie, who stars in Netflix smash The Gentleman, beamed while chatting on the phone and soaking up the sun in an orange T-shirt and white shorts.

Former model Emma, 47, looked equally as happy and cut a casual figure in a pair of leopard print leggings and a white shirt.

They spent around two hours in the restaurant before driving away in Vinnie’s Bentley convertible.

Vinnie’s new romance in no doubt a bittersweet one as it comes five years after the death of his wife Tanya.

She passed away in 2019 following a battle with cancer.

In 2013 Vinnie revealed they were both suffering from melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer.

Tanya had already been treated twice for cervical cancer.

Vinnie’s treatment was successful but Tanya’s cancer spread to her brain. After she died at their home in Los Angeles he said: “They said to us maybe days, maybe weeks, maybe months. I was on my knees howling.”

He vowed he would never marry again, adding: “It was the perfect one and done for me.

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Though a wedding seems unlikely, given his previous comments, pals say Emma has “brought the light back into Vinnie’s eyes” after years of heartache.

The former Wimbledon, Chelsea and Leeds midfielder fell for her while filming his 2023 TV show for the Discovery+ channel, Vinnie Jones In The Country.

But out of respect for Tanya — who he had dated when they were teens before they later reunited and wed in 1994 — Vinnie has chosen not to speak about his romance with Emma.

One source said: “Tanya is the love of Vinnie’s life and he’s a true gentleman, so he didn’t want to reveal his new relationship purely out of respect for her.

“But he is happy with the way things are progressing with Emma and is excited for what their future holds.

“They care about each other deeply and things are looking up for both of them.”