From Flog to Jail: Vinnie Jones Unveils His Wild Journey in the Dodgy TV Game – Only Fools and Fears!

Vinnie Jones Reveals His Hilarious Wheeler-Dealer Antics in Only Fools and Horses: The Musical!

Vinnie Jones, the legendary midfielder known for his fierce tackles and a treasure trove of red cards, is now stepping into the limelight for an entirely different reason. While his on-field antics made him a household name, the former footballer is equally unforgettable for his wheeler-dealing escapades—inspired by his portrayal of a character reminiscent of Del Boy in the acclaimed Only Fools and Horses: The Musical.

Vinnie Jones: The Real-Life Del Boy

When Vinnie Jones took on the role of villain Danny Driscoll in the stage show, he couldn’t help but draw parallels between his life and that of the iconic wheeler-dealer character, Del Boy. “I love a bit of wheeler-dealing; you don’t forget where you come from,” Vinnie declared in an exclusive chat. Knocked-off Gucci shoes, sheepskin coats—whatever we could get hold of— we were all at it!

Vinnie reminisces about his old days, revealing how he had a notorious contact at a local golf club who supplied him with… let’s say, "unique" merchandise. “I once got some mahogany-looking tables and fancy toasters,” he recalls. “I bought them for £3 and sold them for a fiver. It was all going swimmingly until I realized every table had a leg missing! You can’t make this stuff up!”

Vinnie Jones’s Adventures with Knock-Off Goods

The hilarity didn’t end there. Vinnie’s wheelings and dealings led him to a bizarre assortment of knock-off Russian televisions. “I stored about 100 of them in my garage,” he laughs. “Then, one day, the police turned up after a neighborly altercation. There I was, sitting in a cell, thinking, ‘How on earth am I going to explain all those tellies?’ But they never asked!”

With visions of chaos, he remembers the police rummaging through his garage, which was packed to the brim with televisions. After all was said and done, he ended up dumping the lot. “What a disaster!” he chuckled.

Vinnie Jones: From Football Fame to Musical Stardom

As Vinnie gears up for his role in Only Fools and Horses: The Musical, he reveals how the opportunity came calling after a conversation with his friend, film producer Guy Ritchie. “I asked him what he thought, and he encouraged me to go for it. It’s like the Royal Family of comedy!” What an incredible endorsement!

Now, Vinnie finds himself in the spotlight for 28 shows at London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, starting from December 17. This production follows a record-breaking four-year stint in the West End—a testament to its beloved legacy.

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Performance

Vinnie’s transformation from football hardman to stage villain presents new challenges, notably singing live. “I’ve got a big old song in it called ‘Being A Villain’," he declares, grinning. “But I’m not trying to pass myself off as a singer. I bring something else to the table—my screen presence and timing, as Guy always says.”

Reflecting on his character, Vinnie states, “The Driscoll Brothers in this show remind me a lot of myself and my buddy Dennis Wise. There’s not just a height difference; there’s a kinship that’s almost palpable.”

Vinnie Jones: Balancing Football and Acting

Despite his flourishing acting career, Vinnie remains a loyal devotee to his roots in football. “Football was my life. I’d cut my arm off for it. I had an incredible run—captaining school teams and even pushing boundaries with Wimbledon.”

Now with a growing acting résumé, including a collaboration with Guy Ritchie on a new Netflix project, Vinnie reflects on this remarkable journey with clarity.

“What does the future hold?” Vinnie laughs at the idea of taking on Shakespeare. “No way! I’m probably one and done with this stage work, but I want to go out with a bang—like those toasters!”

For Vinnie Jones, this new venture is not just another gig; it’s a homecoming to the art of storytelling—blending his past on the football pitch with a newfound flair for performance.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Want to experience the laughter and wit Vinnie brings to the stage? Don’t miss out on Only Fools and Horses: The Musical at London’s Hammersmith Apollo from December 17 to January 5. Tickets are available at onlyfoolsonstage.com.

Join Vinnie and other beloved characters from the show for an unforgettable night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a look into the life of a true entertainer!