Jermaine Jenas dismissed by BBC over inappropriate texts allegations
Jermaine Jenas's BBC contract terminated amid inappropriate conduct claims
Jermaine Jenas faces new allegations of inappropriate conduct following his abrupt dismissal from the BBC for allegedly sending unsolicited texts to junior staff members. The 41-year-old presenter was terminated this week after rumours about the messages circulated among colleagues. A female staff member reportedly received unwanted texts from Jenas, with others now coming forward amid the investigation into the messages sent by the married former footballer.
According to a source, the messages left those who saw them “horrified.” “We investigated immediately and fired him quickly,” a source told The Times. “There are no excuses for abusing one’s position of power.” Jenas has reportedly informed his wife of 13 years, Ellie Penfold, with whom he shares three daughters. On Thursday, a large poster featuring Jenas alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Alex Scott was removed from Manchester’s Media City HQ.
Addressing the claims, a spokesperson for Jenas stated, “I can’t talk about it right now. I’m not happy—there are two sides to every story. I will be consulting my lawyers.” Meanwhile, the BBC has been erasing all traces of Jenas from its websites.
BREAKING: Jermaine Jenas has been sacked by the BBC for inappropriate behaviour.
I can only assume it's because of this video. pic.twitter.com/e7jhF08hxP
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) August 22, 2024
A BBC insider revealed that the news came as a shock to his colleagues, who were kept in the dark. An email from BBC Sport head Alex Kay-Jelski at 3:39 pm yesterday confirmed Jenas’s departure. The email, sent from Kay-Jelski’s iPhone, read, “Jermaine Jenas is no longer working with the BBC. Thanks, Alex.”
Sources suggest that the announcement was rushed after BBC bosses learned that the Mail was aware of Jenas’s dismissal. There is now concern at talkSPORT, where Jenas is employed on a freelance basis, about his future. Bosses have been seeking information about the behaviour that led to his sacking.
Jenas’s photograph has been removed from the BBC’s studios in Salford, and he appears to have parted ways with his long-term agent MC Saatchi, who has also removed his picture from their website.
The message that got Jermaine Jenas sacked. pic.twitter.com/422DABKDed
— Pecker (@Alright1973) August 22, 2024
In an uncomfortable interview on Thursday evening, Jenas refused to answer questions and demanded the recording be stopped. The talkSPORT interviewer noted Jenas’s visible frustration, to which Jenas replied, “Turn it off.”
Jenas reiterated that he could not discuss the situation, adding, “There are two sides to this whole thing. My lawyers will be taking over from now on.”
The BBC confirmed that Jenas’s contract was terminated due to alleged workplace behaviour issues, which involved digital communications such as texts. The corporation stated that the allegations were raised a few weeks ago, prompting immediate action.
Jenas last presented The One Show alongside Welsh co-host Alex Jones on July 22 and appeared on the Match of The Day panel on May 4. A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Jenas is no longer part of their presenting line-up.
Alex Kay-Jelski informed staff of Jenas’s departure via email on Thursday. A source described the situation as a “categorical nightmare” for the BBC. Jenas had been a regular studio pundit and hosted several shows for the network.
Jenas joined The One Show in 2020, becoming a permanent host in 2021. He played for England, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United before retiring in 2014 due to injury. Off the pitch, he is married to Ellie, with whom he shares two daughters, a baby son, and an older daughter from a previous relationship.
The situation is the latest scandal to hit the BBC, following other controversies. BBC bosses are also currently addressing claims of bullying involving Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice.
Jenas, who lives in Hertfordshire, began his football career with Nottingham Forest at 17 and later played for Newcastle United, where he earned the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He transitioned to a successful TV career, working with the BBC, TNT Sports, and The One Show.
Jenas’s wife, Ellie, has been a supportive presence throughout his career. The couple tied the knot in 2011 and regularly share candid moments with their children on social media. They welcomed their son Jacob in October 2021.
Beyond television, Jenas co-founded the Aquinas Foundation to support young people in Nottingham. In December 2023, it was announced that he would receive an honorary degree from Nottingham Trent University.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Mirror reports Jermaine Jenas’ sacking from the BBC due to allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct, including text messages sent to a female colleague.(read more)
- Express.co.uk reports that several women have come forward with allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Jermaine Jenas, leading to his sacking from the BBC.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Jermaine Jenas sacked from the BBC?
He was sacked due to allegations of sending unsolicited texts to junior staff.
What were the reactions to Jermaine Jenas’s sacking?
Colleagues were shocked and horrified by the allegations and the swift termination.
How has Jermaine Jenas responded to the allegations?
Jenas said he can’t talk about it now and mentioned he will speak to his lawyers.
What actions did the BBC take after firing Jermaine Jenas?
The BBC removed all traces of Jenas from their websites and public materials.
What is Jermaine Jenas’s current employment status with talkSPORT?
His future at talkSPORT is uncertain, and bosses are investigating the allegations.
