Vinnie Jones's wife Tanya has died aged 53 after a long illness, his manager has announced.

The actor and former footballer was by his wife's side when she died at their home in Los Angeles on Saturday.

A statement from Jones's management said: "At 8.46am local time in Los Angeles on Saturday July 6, Vinnie Jones's 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."

Vinnie and Tanya married in Watford in 1994 and renewed their vows in 2007.

She had a daughter, Kaley, by her former husband, and a son, Aaron, with Vinnie.

In 2013, Jones, the ex-midfielder who played for Wimbledon, Chelsea and Leeds United before embarking on a successful acting career, told of how the couple had both been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer.

Tanya underwent an emergency heart transplant at the age of 21 following the birth of Kaley and is also reported to have been treated for cervical cancer twice.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror in 2017, Jones described Tanya as "the most incredible person", adding: "I think we're the perfect match and I was lucky to find it."

Sporting figures and celebrities sent messages of condolence to Jones after news of his wife's death broke.

Former boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: "I'm very saddened to hear the news of Vinnie Jones wife Tanya passing away. My thoughts are with Vinnie & his family at this difficult time".

And ex-Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell said: "Deepest Condolences to you, your family and loved ones @VinnieJones65".