Vinnie Jones reveals he has skin cancer

Snatch star says condition has 'knocked me for six and made me reassess my life and goals'

Vinnie Jones ha revealed he has skin cancer (PA)

Film star and former football hardman Vinnie Jones has revealed he has skin cancer.

The former Wales international, 48, described the potentially deadly disease as "my toughest and scariest opponent yet."

Jones said he found a lump under his eye, and did not know whether it was a wart or a spot until he went to get it checked out. Doctors discovered that it was cancer, and he has since had three operations to remove the patches: two under his eye and one on the back of his head.

He told the Sun on Sunday: "Cancer is a horrible word to hear. It frightens the life out of you.

"I've faced the biggest and ugliest lads on the football field and been in some nasty bar brawls. But this is my toughest and scariest opponent yet."

The ex-midfielder, who starred in Snatch, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, said: "When the doctor said I had skin cancer, the first thing I thought was, 'How long have I got?' A million and one things go through your head."

He added that he's worried he might find another lump at any time.

"It's weighing very heavily on me all the time," he said. "It has really knocked me for six and made me reassess my life and goals."

Jones said he had never done much sunbathing, but thinks he developed the disease from working outside on building sites and football training grounds, and taking part in outdoor hobbies like fishing.

He warned others: "If you spot something on your skin that doesn't feel right, like a little spot or tick, then get it checked out immediately."