The BBC has finally spoken out after Jermaine Jenas was dropped from their roster.
The ex-footballer, aged 41, last appeared on The One Show on July 22 with co-host Alex Jones, just a stone's throw away from his final Match of The Day stint on May 4. The broadcaster has now issued a biting statement confirming his departure.
Their statement read: "We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting line-up."
Following raised eyebrows over his alleged conduct, it's understood that the licence fee-funded broadcaster immediately initiated an internal probe. It's reported that following standard checks in light of these concerns, the corporation decided to cut ties with Jenas.
Alex Kay-Jelski, the Beeb's Director of Sport, is said to have played a key role throughout the ordeal. Further reports suggest that in the wake of the controversy, Jermaine has severed ties with his long-standing representatives at MC Saatchi, reports the Mirror.
Amidst the turmoil, Jenas has reportedly sought legal advice to salvage his reputation.
An insider disclosed to The Sun that the situation is a "nightmare" for the BBC, especially given recent scandals plaguing the institution. They revealed: "After some immediate routine enquiries the decision was taken to take him off air and terminate his contract."
Additionally, they claimed that a mural featuring Jenas at the BBC's MediaCityUK studios in Salford had been taken down.
A source disclosed to MailOnline: "It all came as a massive shock but his colleagues have now been told the news and he won't be back. His colleagues are stunned, they didn't see it coming at all. They were kept in the dark to start with. They couldn't believe it when they found out."
Despite being axed, Jermaine has swiftly secured a new gig. He's set to join talkSPORT for their afternoon Drive show, teaming up with Jermaine Pennant.
He's no stranger to the network, having previously taken the mic as a guest presenter.
Jermaine's stints on Match of The Day and The One Show had him raking in an impressive annual salary within the £190,000 to £194,999 bracket. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur star also featured prominently during the BBC's coverage of Euros 2024 and was involved in a Match of the Day spin-off.
Post-retirement from professional football, Jermaine has carved out a successful broadcasting career, gracing screens for the BBC and TNT Sports, where he's covered football and Formula E. Before securing a permanent spot on The One Show, he filled in for Matt Baker, co-hosting with Ronan Keating.
His rise in popularity on the show led to a full-time presenting role in May 2021, where he joined Welsh presenter Alex Jones on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
