Jermaine Jenas seen for first time since it emerged he was sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts to female staff member’
JERMAINE Jenas has been seen for the first time tonight since it emerged he was sacked by the BBC for allegedly sending unsolicited texts to a female member of staff on The One Show.
The media personality and ex-footballer, 41, was snapped on the phone on the backseat of a car after hosting on TalkSPORT in central London.
Minutes after his sacking was revealed he was hosting TalkSPORT’s Drive show from 4pm – though failed to mention his Beeb sacking.
He had stepped in to replace usual host Andy Goldstein and was joined by fellow former player Jermaine Pennant.
While on air, he released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson saying: “Right now I can’t talk about it.
“I can tell you I’m not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue.”
The Sun revealed earlier Jenas was sacked after allegations were made by a female member of staff on The One Show.
She had claimed she received unsolicited communications over text.
The BBC confirmed a probe was launched following “allegations involving digital communications such as texts” received a few weeks ago.
Former England and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas has been quietly removed from the BBC’s official channels.
A giant mural, featuring the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott, has now been removed from Manchester’s Media City HQ.
Jenas – widely regarded as Lineker’s natural successor for MOTD – covered this summer‘s Euros and commentated on Spain‘s semi-final victory over France on July 9.
The father of four last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on July 22, and appeared on the MOTD panel on May 4.
He was notably absent from Saturday’s first episode of the new season.
A source said: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.
“Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.
“After some immediate routine enquiries the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.
“The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.
“At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”
Jenas, who has only posted three Instagram pictures since May, in stark contrast to the 73 he posted over the course of last year – has also parted ways with his long-term agents, MC Saatchi, in the wake of the crisis.
Jermaine Jenas' full statement on BBC sacking
Jermaine Jenas released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson saying: “Right now I can’t talk about it.
“I can tell you I’m not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue.”
The star is understood to have instructed lawyers as he battles to clear his name.
Sources close to Jenas insist he is “not happy” with the BBC’s decision.
The star still has The One Show and BBC Sport listed on his official Instagram and Twitter handles.
He was last seen on air on Saturday commentating for TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – on Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
And on August 2nd he took to Instagram following the climax of the Formula E season for which he was a lead presenter alongside Nicki Shields.
It is not known whether his paymasters at TNT are aware of the current situation with the BBC.
News of Jenas’ BBC absence – which pays him between £190,000 and £194,999 according to official figures published last year – will prove a huge blow to BBC execs.
This is the latest crisis to hit the national broadcaster, and comes amid another probe into another national institution – Strictly Come Dancing.
The findings, reportedly two weeks overdue, are yet to be published.
And earlier this month the governing board of the BBC released a statement announcing an independent review into the broadcaster’s workplace culture.
It stated: “We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, 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.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”