Former footballer Jermaine Jenas says he is “not happy” with his sacking from the BBC over claims of inappropriate behaviour.
The broadcaster earlier confirmed Jenas is “no longer part” of The One Show’s “presenting line-up”.
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.
Jenas, 41, has also been dropped from his punditry and presenting duties on the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day, as well as Match Of The Day 2 and Radio 5 Live.
BBC News reported 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.
Speaking to Times Radio on Thursday evening, Jenas said: “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it. But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.
“There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”
He added: “I’m not happy about this situation. I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.”
Jenas said he couldn’t talk about the subjects of most questions asked by the radio station but agreed with the interviewer when the latter said: “I can see you’re fuming.”
The former footballer also declined to say whether he has begun legal proceedings.
Jenas presenting for TNT Sports in February. Pic: PA
In an email to employees, seen by Sky News, the BBC said: “I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.”
A spokesperson for talkSPORT said the station was “made aware of a breaking news story involving Jermaine Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot on talkSPORT Drive”.
A statement added: “We made a decision – with Jermaine – that he should continue to present the show.
“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.”
Jenas last presented The One Show in mid-July, and last appeared on Match Of The Day in May.
Read more:
Strictly dancer kicked partner during rehearsal
BBC asks Huw Edwards to return £200k of salary
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
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
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.
It is believed that TNT Sports was unaware of the status of Jenas’s employment with the BBC.
talkSPORT did not immediately respond to Sky’s request for comment.
