Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC, inappropriate behaviour claims

Former footballer Jermaine Jenas expressed his dissatisfaction with his dismissal from the BBC following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The broadcaster confirmed that Jenas is no longer part of The One Show’s presenting team.

The news emerged as Jenas began hosting a three-hour drive-time programme on talkSPORT radio alongside former footballer Jermaine Pennant. The 41-year-old has also been removed from his roles on Match Of The Day, Match Of The Day 2, and Radio 5 Live. Reports indicate that his contract was terminated earlier this week due to alleged workplace behaviour issues, including allegations related to digital communications like text messages.

Speaking to a talkSPORT reporter on Thursday evening, Jenas said he couldn’t discuss the matter in detail but acknowledged his displeasure. He stated, “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it. But currently as it stands, I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it. There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”

In response to further questions, Jenas reiterated his intention to consult with his lawyers and declined to discuss whether he had initiated legal proceedings.

An email to BBC employees, seen by Sky News, confirmed Jenas’s departure. A talkSPORT spokesperson mentioned they were informed of a breaking news story involving Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot. The station decided, together with Jenas, that he should continue to present the show. However, there are no immediate plans for him to return as a presenter on talkSPORT.

“There’s two sides to every story” pic.twitter.com/KW1Rzlqg4Z

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 22, 2024

Jenas last appeared on The One Show in mid-July and on Match Of The Day in May. He earned between £190,000 and £194,999 from the BBC for his work on the FA Cup, Match Of The Day, and the World Cup in 2022/23. His salary for The One Show remains undisclosed, as the programme is produced by BBC Studios.

Jenas began his football career at 17 with Nottingham Forest and played for clubs including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Queens Park Rangers. He also made 21 appearances for England, scoring once. After retiring in 2016, he transitioned to punditry and presenting roles with the BBC and BT Sport.

He joined The One Show in 2020 as a stand-in co-host and became a permanent fixture in 2021. His agency, MC Saatchi, announced it no longer represents him following his dismissal. TNT Sports, where Jenas also works, has not commented on his BBC employment status, but he is not scheduled to appear on their channels for several weeks. Jenas recently served as a co-commentator for the Ipswich v Liverpool match on TNT.