Vinnie Jones in the Country: Life Beyond Football & Film
- Vinnie Jones, the actor known for his tough-guy roles and former footballer, is pushing back against comparisons to Jeremy Clarkson’s hit farming show, Clarkson’s Farm.
- “It’s a show without an agenda, and it’s not a farm show – it’s an in-the-country show,” Jones told Radio Times, as reported on February 13, 2026.
- Jones’s relationship with the outdoors dates back to his childhood.
Vinnie Jones, the actor known for his tough-guy roles and former footballer, is pushing back against comparisons to Jeremy Clarkson’s hit farming show, Clarkson’s Farm. Jones’s own series, Vinnie Jones in the Country, currently airing its third season on discovery+, offers a different perspective on rural life, one rooted in a lifelong connection to the British countryside and a desire for constant activity.
“It’s a show without an agenda, and it’s not a farm show – it’s an in-the-country show,” Jones told Radio Times, as reported on . “Everyone’s tried to hang it on Clarkson’s Farm, which I find a bit upsetting. Jeremy’s done a fantastic job raising awareness for farmers, but ours is a different little show.”
Jones’s relationship with the outdoors dates back to his childhood. He recalls fishing with his father and a deep appreciation for British wildlife, stating that his specialist subject on the quiz show Mastermind would be British nature. This early connection informs the series, which follows Jones as he manages his 2,000-acre estate in West Sussex.
The actor’s career trajectory – from professional football to Hollywood and now to country gentleman – is driven by a need for constant engagement. “I couldn’t just sit on my arse watching daytime TV,” he explained. “I get anxiety attacks if I don’t have plans for every day of the week. Doing all of What we have is where I’m in my element.” He likened the feeling to playing a high-stakes football match in front of a massive crowd, a sensation he now finds in his current pursuits.
Vinnie Jones in the Country emerged during a particularly challenging period in the actor’s life, following the death of his wife, Tanya. The pandemic further amplified feelings of isolation, leading him to immerse himself in the countryside. “I’d just lost my wife going into the pandemic, so I couldn’t have been lonelier,” Jones said. “I spent lockdown watching Netflix box sets. When we came out, the first thing I wanted was to dive into the countryside.”
The show, he emphasizes, isn’t about farming techniques or agricultural challenges, but rather about a personal connection to the land and the lifestyle it affords. He acknowledges the show has organically explored themes of grief and male friendship, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally. “We’ve let the show take its own course, like a river: if it hits a dam, it goes another way,” he said. “There’s a lot to be said for discussing mental health in the countryside, because it can be a lonely job.”
Jones is also keen to dispel the lingering perception of him as the hardman persona he often portrays on screen. “In the past, many newspapers were filled with stories about me being a lunatic, but a lot of that I brought on myself with the drinking,” he admitted. He highlighted his twelve years of sobriety, a milestone he will reach in , and his desire to showcase a different side of himself. “I’m not a south-London gangster, never have been,” he asserted.
Beyond the series, Jones remains active in his acting career, currently working on Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit, The Gentlemen, and confirmed as one of the leads in Ritchie’s new film, Viva la Madness, based on the Layer Cake book series, alongside Jason Isaacs and Jonny Lee Miller. He also enjoys fly fishing and observing wildlife, finding solace in the natural world.
While the future of Vinnie Jones in the Country remains uncertain, Jones is hesitant to prolong the series beyond its natural lifespan. “We haven’t decided yet,” he said. “I don’t want it to drag – three was our magic number. We’re building the lake house now and filming that, but do we want a construction series? When I played football, I wanted to finish at the top, not go back down through the leagues. We’ve had fun, but look at Clarkson’s Farm – there’s lots of politics there. I never want our little show to get like that. Ours is more of a hobby.”
Jones’s journey from the football pitch to the silver screen and now to the countryside reflects a restless spirit and a deep-seated connection to the natural world. Vinnie Jones in the Country offers a glimpse into this multifaceted life, distinct from the farming realities depicted in other shows, and driven by a personal need for purpose and fulfillment.