Why was Jermaine Jenas fired by BBC and taken off Match of the Day?

JERMAINE Jenas has been fired by the BBC and taken off Match of the Day.

The ex-England star, 41, has also been taken off The One Show after the BBC launched an internal investigation.

Jermaine - widely regarded as Gary Lineker's natural successor to Match of the Day - covered this summer's Euros and commentated on Spain's semi-final victory over France on July 9.

He last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on Wednesday July 22, and appeared on the Match of The Day panel on May 4.

But Jenas was notably absent from Saturday's first episode of the new season.

Why was Jermaine Jenas been sacked by BBC?

Jenas has been removed from Match of the Day and The One Show following complaints about "inappropriate behaviour".

Last night a source said: "This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.

"Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine's behaviour.

"After some immediate routine enquiries the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.

"The BBC's new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.

"At present, the feeling is he won't be back on the BBC."

The ex-Spurs midfielder is understood to have instructed lawyers as he battles to clear his name.

Sources close to Jermaine insist he is "not happy" with the BBC's decision.

News of Jermaine's BBC absence - which pays him between £190,000 and £194,999 according to official figures published last year - will prove a huge blow to BBC execs.

It comes as he has previously spoken of his desire to take over the reins from Lineker as Match of the Day host.

In an interview with The Sun in October 2021, Jermaine said he’d love to replace the ex-Tottenham striker as host, saying: “Match Of The Day is the biggest job on television, and if I ever got the opportunity of course I’d say yes.

"When Gary decides to call it a day, I’m sure the BBC will have a look around and decide who’s the best fit for the job.”

And the following month, Gary told The Sun: “Jermaine is my natural successor, I think he’s doing well.”