Jermaine Jenas was presenting on talkSPORT when it emerged he had been sacked from the BBC for sending inappropriate messages to a female colleague, reports have claimed
Jermaine Jenas has been sacked by the BBC. (Image: Getty)
Jermaine Jenas reportedly “looked like he was going to be sick” while presenting on talkSPORT after bosses were tipped off by “rumours” that he had been axed by the BBC just moments before going live.
The 41-year-old former footballer was in conversation with ex-England star Jermaine Pennant when it emerged that he had been let go from the BBC for sending “inappropriate messages” to a less senior colleague. The past One Show host has expressed remorse, admitting he is “ashamed” of his behaviour, reports the Mirror.
While he maintains that what he did was “nothing illegal”, he has nonetheless offered an apology. Insiders at talkSPORT have now claimed that executives were only made aware of Jenas’ dismissal a mere half an hour before his scheduled appearance.
A source speaking to the Daily Mail revealed: “The bosses at the network only heard rumours of an issue at the BBC with about half an hour to go before he went on air. Jermaine didn’t say a word, he clearly thought he could keep it a secret.
Jermaine Jenas admitted sending “inappropriate texts” to a BBC employee. (Image: Getty)
“It certainly takes some balls to do that. He really seemed to have thought he could style this one out somehow that it would go away if he kept his head down and carried on as normal.”
According to the insider, as news of his sacking spread, Jenas’ phone was inundated with messages. They continued: “Jermaine’s phone barely stopped vibrating.
“It was relentless, he tried to stay calm as it shook on the desk in front of him. He kept talking and despite the distractions he sounded incredibly professional. God only knows how he kept going without losing it completely, but you could see in his eyes it was worrying him. But if the star was truly rattled, he has yet to show it.”
TalkSPORT bosses have confirmed that a decision was made for Jenas to continue hosting the drivetime show despite being aware of the allegations. A spokesperson stated: “We were made aware of a breaking news story involving Jermaine Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot on talkSPORT Drive. We made a decision – with Jermaine – that he should continue to present the show”.
Jermaine Jenas with his wife Ellie. (Image: Getty)
“Given the array of serious allegations being reported as the story continues to evolve, it’s for Jermaine as a private individual to address them in the way he chooses. There are no plans for Jermaine to broadcast as a presenter on talkSPORT in the immediate future.”
The day after the texting scandal came to light, the former One Show star denied sending any explicit pictures or videos. However, he admitted: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry. I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down.
“I owe everyone an apology, especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.”
But he added: “I did nothing illegal. These were inappropriate messages between two consenting adults.”
Jenas, a married father-of-four, raked in between £190,000 and £194,999 from the BBC last year for his punditry on events like the World Cup, FA Cup, and Match of the Day.
In an exclusive with The Sun, he revealed the strain on his marriage since the scandal emerged, admitting: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging. It’s just about the children right now.”
