BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas, 41, was dismissed from The One Show and Match of the Day after allegations of sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. He admitted to the behavior, apologized, and is seeking help for self-destructive behavior in relationships.
Jenas was a regular studio pundit for BBC's Euros coverage, covered the 2020 Euros in Germany, and acted as a co-commentator on a semi-final match. He has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
He joined The One Show in 2020 and became one of its permanent hosts a year later.
The presenter was fired from his job at Match Of The Day and The One Show over a video call while on holiday, and the dismissal was described as clinical, giving Jenas no room to fight back.
His wife, model Ellie Penfold, is currently supporting him, but those close to him suggest her support may change in light of the allegations. Jenas was earning over £190,000 for his work at the BBC and has been married to Penfold for 13 years.
BBC chiefs compiled a secret dossier of evidence against Jenas before firing him, after a complaint from a junior female staff member prompted the investigation without Jenas's knowledge.
A former professional footballer, Jenas played for Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, with a record of 39 goals from 341 league appearances. He has two daughters from his current marriage, and one daughter from a previous relationship.
He accepted responsibility for his actions, acknowledged the need for accountability, and expressed deep regret, but also felt unhappy with the dismissal process and plans to consult lawyers.
Jenas started therapy before the allegations surfaced to address his issues and understand his motivations, and he denied sending any sexual images or videos, expressing frustration at being misunderstood.
He and his wife had attended couples therapy prior to the scandal due to existing tensions in their marriage.
Jenas also had a collecting obsession, amassing 750 pairs of sneakers which he hid from his wife since their marriage in 2011. He has since reduced his collection to about 250 pairs.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Sky News, Independent, The Sun, Internewscast, The Kenyan Post, Mirror, Express, Daily Star, MSN, Birmingham Mail, The Times, Irish Mirror, GB News, Wales Online, The SportsGrail.