Former footballer Vinnie Jones has joined the Celebrity X Factor live shows after pulling out of the auditions following the death of his wife Tanya.
Vinnie was meant to audition for the celebrity singing show earlier this year, but a few days before filming Tanya sadly passed away at the age of just 53.
In tonight's episode Vinnie could be heard in a telephone conversation with judge Simon Cowell who invited him to join the live shows.
Asked how he and her daughter Kayley, 32, were feeling he said: "We are just getting through it, you just learn to carry the grief really Simon."
And when Simon asked if he would have been up for taking part in the X Factor, he replied that he'd be honoured to do it in memory of Tanya.
He said: "Well Tan’s pushed me really Simon, we knew it was all going on, and I put it to the family and Tan was very excited about it."
A delighted Simon told him: "We’d love you to be on the live shows this year, we’d welcome you and give you all the help you need."
He added: "Listen, I can’t tell you how much we’re looking forward to seeing you. I’m thrilled you’ve accepted to do this."
And Vinnie, 54, said: "I’d be honoured."
Tanya lost her six-year battle with three forms of cancer on July 6 in Los Angeles.
Both Vinnie and Tanya suffered from melanoma in 2013 and his wife had previously overcome cervical cancer twice.
The footie hardman turned actor was married to Tanya for 25 years.
They said 'I do' in a Watford ceremony in 1994 before moving to LA where Vinnie pursued his acting career.
Vinnie, who had renewed his vows with Tanya in 2007, has ruled out ever falling for somebody else.
The X Factor: Celebrity returns next Saturday LIVE on ITV
