Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC following allegations of 'inappropriate behavior': Former Spurs and England player removed as pundit

Jermaine Jenas, a well-known figure in UK sports broadcasting and a familiar face on BBC television in recent years, has unfortunately had his contract with the corporation terminated.

The former Tottenham and England footballer was dismissed by the BBC on August 22, 2024.

The 41-year-old has been a regular pundit and co-commentator for Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches — the latter as part of the TNT Sports presenting team — since his retirement from playing in 2016.

In 2020, he took on the role of co-presenter of flagship evening programme The One Show, while he has also fronted shows for Channel 4. He had been tipped as a potential future host of Match of the Day, the long-running Premier League highlights show currently presented by ex-England striker Gary Lineker.

In April 2022, Jenas was one of the presenters chosen to host the FIFA World Cup draw for the tournament in Qatar.

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On August 22, the Daily Mail reported that Jenas had been sacked by the BBC with immediate effect and had been removed from his duties hosting The One Show.

The report alleged Jenas was dismissed for "inappropriate behaviour". The Sun claimed the decision was taken following an internal investigation by the corporation.

A BBC article covering the story said the decision had been taken by bosses "following complaints about workplace conduct". A BBC spokesperson was quoted as saying: "We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting lineup."

According to The Mirror, Jenas secured a role with talkSPORT, the popular UK sports radio station, shortly after his departure from the BBC was confirmed.

Jenas is best remembered as a player for an eight-year spell with Tottenham, for whom he made over 200 appearances in all competitions. He previously enjoyed a successful spell at Newcastle United after a breakthrough season at Nottingham Forest in 2001/02.

The winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award for 2002/03, Jenas' sole senior trophy came in 2008, when he won the EFL Cup with Spurs. He was a runner-up in the same tournament a year later.

Jenas earned 21 senior caps for England and was named in the 2006 World Cup squad, although he did not make an appearance in the finals. His career was ultimately blighted by injury problems and he did not play senior football again after spending the 2013/14 season with QPR. He formally announced his retirement in January 2016 after failing to recover from knee trouble.