JENAS GONE
BBC boss sent staff terse email telling them of Jermaine Jenas sacking over ‘unsolicited texts to The One Show staffer’
The BBC's Director of Sport emailed staff minutes after the news broke
A TERSE email was sent to BBC staff four minutes after news emerged Jermaine Jenas had been sacked.
The broadcaster's Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, pinged out the message saying: “Hi all, I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.”
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The Sun broke the story on Thursday afternoon that Jenas, 41, is accused of inappropriate workplace behaviour - moments before he began his TalkSPORT Drive show at 4pm.
He was joined by fellow former footballers Jermaine Pennant and Aaron Lennon - filling in for usual host Andy Goldstein.
But he failed to mention his sacking.
It is understood Jenas has instructed lawyers and is devastated by the turn of events.
Not least the loss of his £190,000- £194,999 annual salary for his work on the FA Cup, Match of the Day, the World Cup and The One Show.
The Sun revealed Jenas was sacked after allegations were made by a female member of staff on The One Show.
She had claimed she received unsolicited communications over text.
The BBC confirmed a probe was launched following "allegations involving digital communications such as texts" received a few weeks ago.
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Others then came forward to complain about his alleged workplace conduct.
Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’
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Jenas released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson while live on TalkSPORT saying: "Right now I can’t talk about it.
"I can tell you I’m not happy - there are two sides to every story - and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue."
It comes as:
- Jenas was sacked over alleged unsolicited texts
- Further concerns were also raised about alleged conduct
- The BBC's Director of Sport sent a terse email to staff
- Jenas said he's "not happy" about the dismissal
- The ex-footballer was snapped breaking cover
- He failed to mention his sacking on TalkSPORT
- His lavish lifestyle with wife Ellie revealed
Former England and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas has been quietly removed from the BBC's official channels.
He was then snapped on the phone on the backseat of a car after hosting on TalkSPORT in central London on Thursday.
A giant mural, featuring the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott, has now been removed from Manchester's Media City HQ.
Jenas - widely regarded as Lineker's natural successor for MOTD - covered this summer's Euros and commentated on Spain's semi-final victory over France on July 9.
The father of four last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on July 22, and appeared on the MOTD panel on May 4.
He was notably absent from Saturday's first episode of the new season.
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."
Jermaine Jenas' full statement on BBC sacking
Jermaine Jenas released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson saying: "Right now I can’t talk about it.
"I can tell you I’m not happy - there are two sides to every story - and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue."
Jenas, who has only posted three Instagram pictures since May, in stark contrast to the 73 he posted over the course of last year - has also parted ways with his long-term agents, MC Saatchi.
News of Jenas' 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.
This is the latest crisis to hit the national broadcaster, and comes amid another probe into another national institution - Strictly Come Dancing.
The findings, reportedly two weeks overdue, are yet to be published.
And earlier this month the governing board of the BBC released a statement announcing an independent review into the broadcaster's workplace culture.
It stated: "We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, particularly in creative and editorial environments.
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"Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.
"The BBC has clearly articulated Values and a strong Code of Conduct and there has been much progress in recent years.
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