JERMAINE Jenas has been sacked by the BBC and removed from Match of the Day and The One Show after complaints of “inappropriate behaviour”.
The BBC launched an urgent internal investigation after concerns were raised about the former England player and he was quietly removed from the broadcaster’s official channels.
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Jermaine Jenas has been fired from the BBCCredit: Getty Images
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He appeared on The One Show alongside Alex Jones. Credit: BBC Press Handout
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Jermaine is considered by many to be Lineker’s natural successor Match of the DayCredit: BBC
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A huge mural featuring the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott Credit: Google
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Mural has now been removed Credit: Zenpix
Jenas was fired following allegations made by a member of staff on The One Show.
She claimed to have received an unsolicited communication via SMS.
The BBC confirmed the investigation was launched following “allegations involving digital communications such as texts” received several weeks ago.
The huge mural, which features the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott, has now been removed from Media City’s Manchester headquarters.
Jermaine – seen as Lineker’s natural match-of-the-day successor – covered the Euros this summer and commented on Spain’s semi-final win over France on July 9.
The married father-of-four last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on Wednesday July 22 and appeared on the Match of the Day panel on May 4.
He was not in Saturday’s first episode of the new season.
Last night a source said: “This is an absolute nightmare for the BBC.
“Complaints have been made about Jermaine’s behaviour.
“After several immediate routine inquiries, the decision was made to remove him from the program and terminate his contract.
Jermaine Jenas reveals he has been rehearsing for Gary Lineker’s MOTD job
“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 in order and there are no skeletons.
“At the moment it appears he will not be returning to the BBC.”
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Jermaine Jenas and his wife Ellie Credit: 2024 Karwai Tang
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The BBC immediately launched an internal investigationCredit: 2024 LAT Images
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The former England player has been quietly removed from the broadcaster’s official channels Credit: PA: Press Association
Jermaine – who has only posted three pictures on Instagram since May, in stark contrast to the 73 he posted over the past year – also parted ways with his long-time agents, MC Saatchi, amid the crisis.
The former Spurs midfielder is understood to have instructed lawyers as he battles to clear his name.
Sources close to Jermaine claim he is “not happy” with the BBC’s decision.
The star still has The One Show and BBC Sport listed on her official Instagram and Twitter accounts.
He was last seen on air on Saturday commentating for TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich. And on August 2, he announced himself on Instagram after the peak of the Formula E season, for which he was the leading presenter. Nicki Shields.
It is not known whether his paymasters at TNT are aware of the current situation with the BBC.
News of Jermaine’s absence from the BBC – which pays him between £190,000 and £194,999 according to official figures released last year – will come as a major blow to BBC executives as the star prepares to replace Lineker as MOTD presenter.
The job, arguably one of the most coveted in television – and one of the highest paid – was approved by both.
In an interview with The Sun in October 2021, Jermaine said he would love to replace the former Tottenham striker as presenter, saying: “Matchday is the biggest job on television, and if I ever get the chance, of course I’d say yes.
“When Gary decides to finish, I’m sure the BBC will look around and decide who is best for the job.”
And the following month, Gary told The Sun: “Jermaine is my natural successor, I think he’s doing well.”
Although Jermaine has yet to comment publicly, he recently enjoyed a family holiday in Marbella with his wife Ellie, whom he married in 2011, and the couple’s children.
This is the latest crisis to hit the national broadcaster, and comes amid another investigation into another national institution – Strictly Come Dancing.
The findings, reportedly two weeks late, have yet to be released.
Earlier this month, the BBC’s governing board released a statement announcing an independent review of the broadcaster’s workplace culture.
It said: “We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate behavior in the workplace, particularly in creative and editorial environments.
“While the challenges of power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for many employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.
“The BBC has clearly articulated values and a strong Code of Conduct and great progress has been made in recent years.
“However, the Board will commission an independent review which will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with the BBC’s values.”
A BBC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”
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