Jermaine Jenas ‘to be given TV career lifeline’ after being sacked by the BBC for sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to two co-workers

Jermaine Jenas is set to be handed a career lifeline after he was sacked by the BBC for sending ‘inappropriate’ text messages to two colleagues. 

The former footballer, 41, was let go from his presenting roles on The One Show and Match Of The Day after junior staffers raised concerns over his behaviour. 

But TNT Sports has not removed him from its coverage and he is expected to make a return on screen this season, according to The Telegraph. 

Jenas was not scheduled to work during Brighton‘s match against Manchester United last weekend despite rumours he was stood down. 

A source at TNT said they expect to see him make a return following the international break in September. 

The ex-footballer last week apologised for sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to two co-workers

Jermaine Jenas and his wife Ellie Penfold at the Pride Of Britain Awards on October 8, 2023

Jenas is employed as a freelancer by TNT and he is called up on occasions to serve alongside other pundits and commentators.

Executives at TNT are believed to be addressing the topic during the Premier League break and if any more inappropriate behavior by Jenas comes to light, it will change their view. 

His last BBC appearance was on The One Show with Alex Jones on July 22 and his last Match of the Day showing was on May 4 – but he was part of the broadcaster’s Euros coverage. 

Talksport has also not ruled out using Jenas again as producers are said to have been impressed by his professionalism when the revelations dropped while he was on air. 

The former England midfielder issued a public apology to the two women he texted but insisted they were between consenting adults.

Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 3, 2024

Jenas is pictured on his last episode of the One Show on July 22 this year alongside Alex Jones

Jermaine Jenas works for BBC Sport at the World Cup in Qatar on December 10, 2022

He now fears for the future of his marriage with his wife of 13 years, Ellie Penfold, who is said to be angry but has not ended their relationship. 

‘I haven’t slept properly since they told me, to be honest,’ he previously told The Sun. 

‘I mean, the anxiety that builds up in your body over these types of things. I haven’t had any sleeping pills. I’ve just not been sleeping. 

‘You just kind of lay there, mind’s ticking over until you just pass out. Part of me would just rather go out and run until I collapse.’

Jenas, who has three children with Ellie and another teenage daughter from an early relationship, revealed his wife has not yet told him whether their marriage can last.

He also told the newspaper: ‘When I see Ellie most days, she just kind of gets up. She goes to make sure the children are OK. I feel ashamed. I feel I’ve let everybody down – friends, family, colleagues.

Jenas previously told his former female colleagues he is ‘genuinely sorry’ for sending inappropriate messages – issuing a direct apology after being allegedly told not to contact the two women due to ‘legal process’.

The presenter previously said he sent ‘inappropriate messages’ but insisted they were ‘between two consenting adults’ and that his behaviour was not illegal.

Jenas also revealed that he has a ‘self-destructive streak’ with his relationships and he is receiving therapy.

In addition, he has criticised how his former employer handled his sacking and has said he will be speaking to his lawyers about the situation.

Jenas was presenting his talkSPORT show as it was announced he had been axed by the BBC

According to official figures published last year, Jenas earned £190,000 to £194,999 for his work on the FA Cup, Match Of The Day and the World Cup at the BBC.

His salary for working on The One Show was not in the public domain, as it is produced by BBC Studios.

It is the latest blow to the BBC after the Huw Edwards child abuse scandal and bullying allegations on Strictly Come Dancing.

Moments after it was announced he had been removed from all BBC presenting line-ups, Jenas began co-presenting a talkSPORT drive-time show with fellow former footballer Jermaine Pennant.

Jenas 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.

He has been a regular pundit on sports programmes Match Of The Day and Match Of The Day 2 and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The former player has been widely regarded as a natural successor to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match Of The Day, but was noticeably absent from Saturday’s first episode of the new season.

During his football career, Jenas appeared for England and played for Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers.

The fallout has also seen Jenas dropped by his high-profile TV and celebrity management company, M&C Saatchi Merlin, who looks after other names including Freddie Flintoff and Helen Skelton.

TNT Sports and Talksport have been approached for comment.