Latest news with #Jenas
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jermaine Jenas' new career gets underway one year after BBC sext sacking and split from wife
Jermaine Jenas' new career gets underway one year after BBC sext sacking and split from wife Jermaine Jenas says he has adopted a new approach to work as he looks to rebuild his media career almost a year on from the scandal that saw him sacked by the BBC Jermaine Jenas has a clear plan for his career after being sacked by the BBC (Image: The Dressing Room Podcast ) Jermaine Jenas has detailed his plans to get his media career back on track following the sexting scandal that cost him his BBC job. The former One Show presenter was sacked by the broadcaster last year following complaints about workplace conduct. Jenas apologised to two former female colleagues for sending "inappropriate messages", although he insisted they were 'between two consenting adults'. He also stepped away from talkSPORT presenting duties, only to return to the station in February this year, insisting he was "taking responsibility" for his actions and had become a "better person". Jenas, who played for Newcastle and Tottenham in the Premier League, has also split from his wife Ellie Penfold and is eager to make a fresh start, both professionally and personally. The 42-year-old addressed his plans, which include a new podcast, during an appearance on The Dressing Room Podcast with fellow ex-footballers Joe Cole, Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge. He said: "You eventually land in a place, where I am now, where I still feel like I'm evolving and growing. But I am happy, yeah. When I first went [to myself], 'Right, what do you want to do?' control was my big thing. No one's ever gonna control my life again. "Whether I go back into broadcasting, whether it's with TNT, or I go somewhere else and get back involved in television, it will all be on my terms as to how much I want to do, when I want to do it. Jenas and Ellie Penfold are divorcing (Image: WireImage ) Article continues below "And that's allowed me to start developing my own stuff as well, which is my bag anyway... I've filmed five documentaries, I've done all these social issues documentaries, I've done TV for God knows how long. I've gained enough experience to be able to run my own stuff now." One of those projects is a new podcast Jenas has started with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora called 'Let Me Tell You Something with Derek and JJ', which launched at the end of June. "Honestly, it's been great," said the 21-cap former England international. "So I set up my own production company, which I'd been wanting to do for years. Me and Derek have been good mates for about 10 years. "I know the image I had in the media, which was what was eating me alive a little bit. This pristine, corporate, perfect [person]. You know, family life, wife [and] kids, and it's not sustainable. So they put you in that box, but I'm like, 'That's not me.' Then you're on The One Show, and it gets even more. Jenas says wants more control over his career (Image: The Dressing Room Podcast ) "So in my mind, I knew I wanted to do a podcast, and I was thinking about it with Derek for ages, because I know two sides to Derek. Derek's rogue No.1, he is. But he's also got this other side, where [the] guy likes being at home, loves his kids more than anything, like we all do, loves his missus, and he just knows how to sell fights." Article continues below He continued by saying if his co-host needs to "throw a table at someone's head" to get attention for a bout, that's exactly what he'll do, a nod to the time Chisora infamously hurled a table towards Dillian Whyte during a press conference ahead of their 2016 fight. Chisora went on to lose a split decision. Jenas outlined the concept of their podcast, focusing on sharing tales of guests' "wins, losses and the legacy you leave behind." To date, two episodes have been released, with the first featuring comedian Katherine Ryan as the guest.
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jermaine Jenas confirms new career one year after BBC sack over sexting scandal
Almost one year on from being fired by the BBC, former England footballer-turned-pundit and presenter Jermaine Jenas has confirmed a new career opportunity and his plans for the future Former Premier League star Jermaine Jenas has gone into detail regarding his plans for the future, including a new podcast. The announcement comes almost one year on from his dismissal by the BBC, while he was also dropped by his talent agency over his inappropriate behaviour. Jenas, 42, was once a regular on the BBC's Match of the Day programming and co-hosted The One Show with Alex Jones. However, he was sacked by the broadcaster in August 2024 after he admitted sending lewd messages to two former colleagues, which also led to the end of his marriage to wife Ellie Penfold. The ex- Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder, who has accused the BBC of dishonesty over his axing, has recently eased back into the world of media, having returned to talkSPORT this year. Jenas confirmed his hopes for the future as he makes a return to the limelight after a period away while dealing with personal issues. "You eventually land in a place, where I am now, where I still feel like I'm evolving and growing," he said on The Dressing Room Podcast while chatting to former Premier League peers Joe Cole, Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge. "But I am happy, yeah. "When I first went [to myself], 'Right what do you want to do', control was my big thing. No-one's ever gonna control my life again," he continued. "Whether I go back into broadcasting, whether it's with TNT, or I go somewhere else and get back involved in television, it will all be on my terms as to how much I want to do, when I want to do it. "And that's allowed me to start developing my own stuff as well, which is my bag anyway... I've filmed five documentaries, I've done all these social issues documentaries, I've done TV for God knows how long. I've gained enough experience to be able to run my own stuff now." One of those projects is a new podcast Jenas has started with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora called 'Let Me Tell You Something with Derek and JJ'. Bridge enquired about Jenas' new weekly show, which launched at the end of June. "Honestly, it's been great," said the 21-cap former England international. "So I set up my own production company, which I'd been wanting to do for years. Me and Derek have been good mates for about 10 years... "I know the image I had in the media, which was what was eating me alive a little bit. This pristine, corporate, perfect [person]. You know, family life, wife [and] kids, and it's not sustainable. So they put you in that box, but I'm like, 'That's not me.' Then you're on The One Show, and it gets even more. "So in my mind, I knew I wanted to do a podcast, and I was thinking about it with Derek for ages, because I know two sides to Derek. Derek's rogue No. 1, he is. But he's also got this other side, where [the] guy likes being at home, loves his kids more than anything, like we all do, loves his missus, and he just knows how to sell fights." He went on to say if his new podcast partner needs to "throw a table at someone's head" to sell a fight, he'll do just that. That being a reference to the incident in December 2016 where Chisora launched a table at opponent Dillian Whyte at a press conference while promoting their upcoming bout, which Chisora later lost via split decision. Jenas described the format of the show, where he discusses guests' "wins, losses and the legacy you leave behind." Only two episodes have been released thus far, with comedienne Katherine Ryan featuring as its first guest. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jermaine Jenas makes feelings clear about the BBC – 'They lie to your face'
Jermaine Jenas has opened up on his time in the television industry, as he admitted how some of the behaviour that he witnessed during his time at the BBC impacted him Jermaine Jenas has hit out at the BBC, accusing them of dishonesty towards their employees. The former footballer, 42, was dismissed from the corporation last August due to improper conduct. Jenas, who used to share presenting duties with Alex Jones on The One Show, admitted to sending lewd messages to two former colleagues at the BBC. In addition to losing his BBC role, the former England midfielder saw his representation with a talent agency terminated. His 14-year marriage to Ellie Penfold also ended as their separation was publicly acknowledged in March. After keeping a low profile for four months, Jenas is gradually stepping back into the spotlight. During his appearance on The Dressing Room Podcast with ex-Chelsea players Carlton Cole, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge, Jenas compared the worlds of football and television. He said: "I don't think there's been a footballer that has gone on a day-time, evening live television slot and presented in an entertainment space. "It was crazy, I think that side of it was strange if I'm totally honest with you. I think what you realise when you go into television is the football world is very different because we are naturally competitive. "Also, I've always been the type of person that's very much, 'If I'm not doing something right, just tell me,' because it's like that in training. If I'm not playing, I go knock on the manager's door, 'What am I not doing?' "'You're going out too much, you're not working hard enough, you're not in the gym enough,' right, I'm going to do all those things and then I want to be playing, it's simple." He spoke candidly about the cutthroat nature of the television industry, revealing that gossiping and backstabbing are commonplace. Jenas claimed that he experienced this firsthand during his time on The One Show, where he worked with various stand-in presenters. "Television is not like that, they just talk behind your back," he revealed (via Wales Online). "Everybody in television would just lie to your face. When I was a main presenter on the show, sometimes when Alex Jones wouldn't be working because she was having children at the time, I was working with various female presenters. "We'd come off air and they'd go, 'Oh did you like her JJ', I'm like, 'Yeah she's really good, it's her first time, she's done really well.' And then I'd just see them talking c*** about them going, 'Yeah she's not coming back.'" Almost a year after leaving the BBC, Jenas continues to work as a contributor on talkSPORT and has launched his own podcast 'Let Me Tell You Something with Derek and JJ' alongside boxing star Derek Chisora. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jermaine Jenas doesn't hold back on BBC staff – 'They just lie to your face'
Jermaine Jenas doesn't hold back on BBC staff – 'They just lie to your face' Jermaine Jenas' BBC career came to a devastating end after the former Premier League star was embroiled in a sexting scandal with two ex-colleagues Jermaine Jenas has opened up about what t is like working for the BBC (Image: The Dressing Room Podcast ) Jermaine Jenas blasted the BBC for lying to employees as the former footballer claimed the television industry is dishonest. The 42-year-old was sacked from the broadcaster last August for inappropriate behaviour. Jenas - who co-hosted The One Show with Alex Jones - later admitted that he had sent explicit messages to two former BBC employees. On top of his departure from the BBC, the ex-England star was also dropped from his talent agency while his marriage to wife of 14 years, Ellie Penfold, ended after the pair's split was confirmed in March. Four months on, Jenas has started to slowly reappear in the public eye. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle midfielder was a guest on The Dressing Room Podcast, hosted by ex-Chelsea players Carlton Cole, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge as Jenas detailed the difference between the football and television industries. "I don't think there's been a footballer that has gone on a day-time, evening live television slot and presented in an entertainment space," he said. "It was crazy, I think that side of it was strange if I'm totally honest with you. "I think what you realise when you go into television is the football world is very different because we are naturally competitive. Also, I've always been the type of person that's very much, 'If I'm not doing something right, just tell me', because it's like that in training. If I'm not playing, I go knock on the manager's door, 'what am I not doing?' Jenas' marriage with wife Ellie Penfold ended earlier this year (Image: GETTY ) "'You're going out too much, you're not working hard enough, you're not in the gym enough,' right, I'm going to do all those things and then I want to be playing, it's simple." Jenas claimed gossiping is rife in the television space and saw it first-hand during his time on The One Show when working with stand-in presenters. "Television is not like that, they just talk behind your back," he revealed. "Everybody in television would just lie to your face. When I was a main presenter on the show, sometimes when Alex Jones wouldn't be working because she was having children at the time, I was working with various female presenters. The former footballer called out the television industry (Image: YOUTUBE ) Article continues below "We'd come off air and they'd go, 'Oh did you like her JJ', I'm like, 'Yeah she's really good, it's her first time, she's done really well.' And then I'd just see them talking c*** about them going, 'Yeah she's not coming back.'" Almost a year on from his BBC exit, Jenas remains a contributor on talkSPORT and now has his own podcast alongside boxing star Derek Chisora called ' Let Me Tell You Something with Derek and JJ'.
Metro
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Jermaine Jenas reveals he 'lost everything' in BBC sacking after sexting scandal
Former BBC star Jermaine Jenas has spoken out about 'losing everything' after being axed by the broadcaster. The TV presenter, who hosted The One Show alongside Alex Jones, hit the headlines last year when he was dismissed with immediate effect for inappropriate behaviour. It emerged that complaints had been made about explicit messages he sent to colleagues, which also led to him being dropped by his talent agency. Jenas, 42, admitted to sending inappropriate texts to two BBC co-workers but made it known he wasn't happy about how things ended, vowing to seek legal action and reminding the public there are 'two sides to every story'. Almost one year later, however, the broadcaster has acknowledged that he dealt with the repercussions in the 'wrong way'. He also reflected on how his sexting scandal ultimately led to the end of his 14-year marriage to wife Ellie Penfold, from whom he confirmed his split in March. Speaking candidly to comedian Katherine Ryan and pro boxer Derek Chisora on his Let Me Tell You Something podcast, Jenas began: 'I broke a vow. I feel my level of punishment was up there. I had to take it and have some broad shoulders and handle it, and I feel like I did that.' On the nature of the texts he was caught sending, he likened them to the racy Jamie Dornan Fifty Shades franchise. 'It was Christian Grey in text messages, put it that way. It was sexting, as simple as that, but it was initiated to me, and then I responded. 'It wasn't just me going out of my way, and it definitely 100% wasn't, 'If you do this, I will help you in your work.' 'There was no power element to it going on.' Jenas added that cracks had already started to show in his marriage by the time his infidelity was exposed. 'There's a lot of stuff with me and Ellie where we weren't in the best place ourselves,' he said. 'And things were just spiralling a little bit. In no way is that blame. I'm fully accepting responsibility. 'I dealt with it wrong and got heavily punished for it by losing pretty much everything that I had at that time.' In the aftermath of Jenas's scandal, he had an 'excruciating' online meeting with HR bosses at the BBC, in which he was shown some of the explicit messages he'd sent. Jenas previously admitted that the call took place while he was on a family holiday, during which he sneaked off to join the Zoom and lied to his wife. In his first interview after the texts were made public, he said he was 'deeply sorry'. Jenas, who was actually presenting live on talkSPORT the moment news of his firing broke, told The Sun: 'I did nothing illegal—these were inappropriate messages between two consenting adults. 'I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry. 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. 'I am sorry for what I have put them through.' He added frankly: 'I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self-sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.' Jenas continued to say he'd made 'a lot of mistakes' and had booked in for therapy to 'try and address' his 'issues' causing him to 'hurt the people [he] love[s]'. 'I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened,' he stated. At the time, the Beeb confirmed Jenas's sacking with a simple statement to Metro: 'We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting lineup.' Later in the month, BBC boss Tim Davie sent an email to all staff addressing the latest 'shocking' headlines, which also included former highest-paid newsreader Huw Edwards pleading guilty to making indecent images of children and bullying accusations on set of Strictly Come Dancing. The Director General wrote in part of his message across the company that it had been 'a demanding period for the BBC and everyone who works within it.' While Jenas no longer works for the BBC, he eventually made a comeback to talkSPORT, declaring earlier this year that he would be a 'better person'. More Trending 'The last six, seven months have been extremely tough for myself and my family,' the dad-of-four said in an interview with Shebahn Aherne. 'But it's also been a really good opportunity to kind of take stock, have a good look at why you find yourself in these kind of situations, and start to have some honest conversations, really. 'With yourself, with other people, people that are close to you, people that have been very supportive during this period of time, and just kind of work your way back to a position where I can get back to doing what I love most.' He added that he was 'obviously very grateful' to talkSPORT for still giving him a platform and allowing him to 'get back to doing what [he] loves most'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Top Gaza doctor killed in IDF strike on day 'Gaza: Doctors Under Attack' documentary comes out MORE: BBC Breakfast star warned by friend she was becoming too 'fame-obsessed' MORE: BBC takes action after admitting Bob Vylan was deemed 'high risk' before Glastonbury
