After Dinner Speakers: Vinnie Jones, Ken Hom, Underworld

VINNIE JONES was previously best known for his athletic ability as a renowned world-class footballer (soccer player). He became a professional player for Wimbledon F.C. in 1986 and won the F.A. Cup in 1988. He signed for Leeds United a year later, winning the first division championship. Jones also played for Sheffield United, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers (where he was a coach as well as player), returning to Wimbledon in 1994. After being seen in a cameo role on British television, Guy Ritchie asked Jones to join his cast as Big Chris in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. His performance garnered him numerous awards, among them Best Newcomer from the Odeon Cinemas’ People’s Choice Awards, Best Debut Performance from the Variety Club of Great Britain and Empire Magazine’s Best Newcomer. A natural on screen, Jones officially retired from soccer in 1999 to pursue his acting career. For close to six years he wrote a weekly column for the Sun newspaper (a national edition) and also hosted his own radio and television shows. He appeared in the popular drama Ellington. Jones was born in Watford, England and raised on an estate where his father was a gamekeeper. He played semi-professional football for Wealdstone before joining Wimbledon.