THE wife of former football hardman Vinnie Jones died yesterday after a long battle with cancer.

Tanya died at the age of 53 at home surrounded by her family in Los Angeles.

10 Vinnie Jones' wife Tanya has lost her cancer battle Credit: Getty - Contributor

Hollywood action star Vinnie’s spokesman told The Sun: “At 8.46am local time in Los Angeles on Saturday July 6, Vinnie Jones‘ wife, Tanya Jones, passed away after a long illness.

“Tanya passed peacefully at the Jones family home surrounded by Vinnie, their daughter and other family members.

“Vinnie and the family ask for privacy while they go through an understandable period of mourning during this devastating time.”

A source said her condition had worsened over the last few weeks.

10 The 53-year-old passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones Credit: Getty - Contributor

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

Tanya - who had an emergency heart transplant at the age of 21 – had already been treated twice for cervical cancer.

Vinnie had found a lump under his eye, and a check-up revealed it was malignant melanoma.

Then Tanya developed the same illness. They fought it together, as a couple, and successfully.

A source said last night: “Tanya had been ill for quite a while.

“But the last two or three weeks her condition really deteriorated.

“Vinnie has been by her bedside. It’s heartbreaking news.

10 The couple seen in 2013 after both being diagnosed with cancer Credit: Xposure

10 Tanya pictured in August last year holding hands with her husband in LA Credit: BackGrid

10 Tanya has been battling melanoma since 2013 Credit: BackGrid

“I think Vinnie had been in the UK at some point and then flew back straight away when he heard.

“It had been a waiting game for them – but she was not going to get better.”

Jones and Tanya married in Watford in 1994.

10 Vinnie and Tanya Jones renew their wedding vows after 13 years of marriage at the 'Little White Chapel' in Las Vegas Credit: MPANews.com/PA Photos USA

10 With their marriage certificate Credit: MPANews.com/PA Photos USA

They moved to Los Angeles where he pursued a successful acting career.

In 1998, he made his film debut in Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels – in which he played a mob enforcer.

Jones also appeared in Mean Machine in 2001 and in 2006 acted in X-Men: The Last Stand.

10 The couple at home shortly before they got married for the first time Credit: Rex Features

10 With their daughter Kaley Credit: Rex Features

10 Vinnie has been left devastated by his wife's death Credit: Getty - Contributor

MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ PUSSYCAT KITTEN? Nicole Scherzinger deletes pic after fans say she's showing a baby bump EVANS SAKE Lee Evans spotted for the first time in two years after quitting showbiz KEEG-DASHIAN Michelle Keegan fans rave about her 'Kim K bum' on night out in London BERN OUT EastEnders star Clair Norris looks very different to Bernadette on glam night out 'TAKE CARE OF MY BOY' Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim reunite to drop son Woody off at university GYM BOD EastEnders' Maisie Smith shows off her abs as she trains for Strictly

He went on to co-star alongside Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action thriller Escape Plan which was released in 2013.

He earned a reputation as a hardman in his footballing career and was a member of the “Crazy Gang” at Wimbledon.

He won the 1988 FA Cup Final with the club which he played well over 200 games for.

He also had spells at Chelsea, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Queen’s Park Rangers.