Jermaine Jenas Speaks Out After BBC Sacking: “I Know I Need Help”
Jermaine Jenas, the former footballer turned TV presenter, has broken his silence after being sacked by the BBC on Monday following complaints about his workplace conduct. The 41-year-old, who was once a regular on Match of the Day and The One Show, admitted to sending inappropriate messages to a colleague but insisted that he did “nothing illegal.”
In an interview with The Sun, Jenas revealed that he had “frantically” sent flirty texts over a 24-hour period to a woman who had given him her number at a work event. While he maintained that the exchanges were with “consenting adults,” he acknowledged the gravity of his actions and expressed deep regret.
“I have let myself down, my family, friends, and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology — especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry,” he said.
Jenas, who has been married to Ellie Penfold for 13 years, confessed that his actions have taken a significant toll on his personal life. Ellie, understandably furious, has kicked him out of their bedroom, and the couple is no longer on speaking terms. Jenas fears that his wife may never forgive him but is now focusing on caring for their two daughters and young son. He also admitted that even his dog seemed to look at him with disappointment.
The former footballer was quick to clarify that no explicit images or videos were sent during his conversations, emphasizing that while his behavior was inappropriate, he does not consider himself a “sex pest.”
“These were consenting adults I was texting,” he stated, but he also acknowledged that his actions amounted to an unfaithful act. “I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I need help. And I am getting help.”
Jenas spoke of the anxiety and insomnia he has been suffering since the news broke, admitting that he is riddled with fear over the potential loss of his family. He expressed frustration over the way the situation has been portrayed, feeling that false information has led to unfair judgments. “I feel people don’t know the truth and are forming opinions about me that aren’t accurate,” he said, defending himself by pointing out that the interaction in question involved mutual attraction and alcohol at a bar in London.
Despite the support he has received from former BBC colleagues, Jenas was critical of how the corporation handled his dismissal. He revealed that he is considering legal action against the BBC, feeling that they made their decision public before informing him directly. “I’ve fallen below the standard of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC,” he admitted, but he also expressed his dissatisfaction with how the situation was managed.
The announcement of Jenas’s sacking came while he was live on air during his drive-time show with talkSport radio, leading to an awkward on-air discussion with his colleague Ray Parlour. Jenas expressed his unhappiness with the situation, stating that he was leaving it in the hands of his legal team. At one point during the broadcast, he even demanded that the recording be stopped, highlighting the tension and stress he was under.
The BBC has since confirmed that Jenas will no longer be part of their presenting line-up. “We can confirm Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of our presenting line-up,” a BBC spokesperson said, marking the end of his association with the broadcaster.
