Vinnie Jones, the former footballer turned actor, is eager to star in the upcoming musical adaptation of *Only Fools and Horses*. Set to debut on December 17 at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, Jones will play notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in 28 performances. For Jones, the role resonates with his cheeky past filled with “dodgy deals,” reminiscent of the sitcom’s characters, Del Boy and Rodney, played by Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
From Tough Guy to Musical Star
Jones, now 59, has built a reputation for his tough persona, both on and off the football pitch. His transition into acting allowed him to explore a range of roles, but this one feels the most familiar. “I enjoyed the thrill of some dodgy dealings,” he said, explaining how it keeps him grounded and connected to his roots.
Cheeky Deals from His Football Days
In an interview with *The Sun*, Jones recounted his early days with Wimbledon FC, where he sold “knock-off” merchandise to teammates. He humorously described how he bought counterfeit Gucci shoes and cheap leather coats from a notorious dealer. “We bought everything we could get our hands on,” Jones shared, showcasing his knack for quick profits.
But things didn’t always go smoothly. Jones recalled selling a batch of tables and toasters to his teammates. “I bought these tables for £3 and sold them for £5,” he said proudly. Later, however, he found out each table was missing a leg, and the toasters launched bread into the ceiling with a loud bang. One teammate even gifted a faulty toaster to his mother for Christmas, resulting in an explosion of toast in her newly decorated kitchen.
Jones’s entrepreneurial spirit led to a costly realization. He had to reclaim all the faulty products and pay for repairs. This cheeky side of his past, much like his character Danny Driscoll, is a fitting backdrop for his performance.
Embracing the Character
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, Jones is set to embody the larger-than-life role of Danny Driscoll. His co-stars, Roy Marsden and Christopher Ryan, will play his contrasting Driscoll brothers. Reflecting on the dynamic between the characters, Jones said, “It reminds me of my time with my Wimbledon teammate Dennis Wise, who’s quite a bit shorter than me.”
Jones is excited to step into the world of *Only Fools and Horses*. The role taps into his cheeky past while delivering laughter and nostalgia to the audience. With Vinnie Jones at the helm, the musical promises to be a memorable tribute to the beloved series.
