UK
Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC while live on air at talkSPORT
Former footballer Jermaine Jenas has been sacked by the BBC while live on air at talkSPORT.
The broadcaster has confirmed he is “no longer part” of The One Show’s “presenting line-up”.
Jenas, 41, has also been dropped from his punditry and presenting duties on football highlights programme Match Of The Day, Match Of The Day 2 and Radio 5 Live.
Jermaine Jenas playing for QPR in 2014. Pic: Rex Features
BBC News reported that his contract was terminated earlier this week due to alleged issues relating to workplace behaviour. It also reported the termination followed allegations involving digital communications, such as texts, which were raised with the corporation a few weeks ago.
In an email to employees, the BBC said: “I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.”
The news of Jenas’s sacking broke as he started presenting a three-hour drive-time programme on talkSPORT radio with fellow former footballer Jermaine Pennant.
It is understood Jenas last presented The One Show in mid-July, and last appeared on Match Of The Day in May.
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Jenas presenting for TNT Sports in February. Pic: PA
Jenas, who earned between £190,000 and £194,999 at the BBC for his work on the FA Cup, Match Of The Day and the World Cup in 2022/23, also works for TNT Sports.
His salary for presenting The One Show has not been made public as the show is made by BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production company.
Jenas made his footballing debut aged 17 for Nottingham Forest and went on to play for Newcastle United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers during his career.
Jenas also made 21 appearances for England, scoring one goal.
Jermaine Jenas playing for Newcastle United in 2002. Pic: PA
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The midfielder moved into punditry and presenting on the BBC and BT Sport after retiring from professional football in 2016.
The father-of-four joined The One Show in 2020 as a stand-in co-host following the departure of Matt Baker, and he was made a permanent fixture the following year.
His agency MC Saatchi also said it no longer represents him following the news of his sacking.
TNT Sports said it would not comment on Jenas’s employment with the BBC but it is understood that he is not scheduled to appear on the platform’s channels for a number of weeks.
Jenas was a co-commentator on the Ipswich v Liverpool match on TNT last Saturday as the Premier League returned.
talkSPORT did not immediately respond to Sky’s request for comment.