Jermaine Jenas has been fired by the BBC after they received allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Jenas had been working for the corporation as a pundit and presenter for Match of the Day, as well as a host for The One Show. Previously, he fronted the MOTDx show, a spin-off program aimed at younger audiences which was scrapped last season. Before moving into punditry, Jenas enjoyed a successful playing career for Tottenham , QPR and Newcastle , as well as earning 21 caps for the England senior team.
In a statement to Mirror Football , a BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting lineup.” The BBC have subsequently confirmed that Jenas has been dismissed due to his "workplace conduct".
Jenas last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on 22 July, and appeared on the Match of The Day panel on 4 May. He did work for the BBC on Euro 2024, acting as co-commentator for Spain's semi-final victory over France. Strangely, as the news of Jenas’ departure from the BBC was filtering out, he was already working in a new role, presenting on talkSPORT.
Jenas, who has often appeared on the station as a guest but never the main present, and another former England international, Darren Bent, were in the hot seats for the sport radio station’s drive-time show.
The former Three Lions midfielder was widely seen as being a potential successor to Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day. He was last seen on air on Saturday commentating for TNT Sports on Liverpool's 2-0 win over Ipswich.
The BBC launched an immediate internal investigation after concerns were raised about Jenas' behavior "a few weeks ago" and he was quietly removed from the broadcaster's official channels. It is said that after routine inquiries, Jenas' contract was terminated. The BBC's new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski is understood to have been heavily involved in this whole process. There is a belief that Jenas will not be seen back on the BBC in the future.
It is also claimed that Jenas has parted ways with his long-term agent, MC Saatchi, as a result of the crisis. Jenas is thought to have instructed lawyers in a bid to clear his name. It is not known whether TNT are aware of Jenas' departure from the BBC or the reason behind it.
Jenas quickly moved into punditry following his retirement aged 31. He joined The One Show in 2020, where he began co-presenting with Alex Jones, becoming a permanent host a year later.
He also works as the main presenter for Formula E, though it is unknown if his departure from the BBC will affect that role. Mirror Football has contacted Formula E for comment.
Jenas had been paid between £190,000 and £194,999 for his roles on the BBC according to official figures published last year. Last December, Jenas was handed a Doctor of Sport honorary degree by Nottingham Trent University.
Jenas' exit comes after the BBC's governing board announced an independent review of the broadcaster's workplace culture. It stated: "We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behavior, particularly in creative and editorial environments.
"Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards. The BBC has clearly articulated Values and a strong Code of Conduct and there has been much progress in recent years.
"That said, the Board will commission an independent review that will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with BBC Values."
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