Former BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas has shared how he hopes to rebuild his life in the wake of a sexting scandal that cost him his marriage and career.
The ex-Match of the Day regular was sacked by the BBC after allegations were made that he ‘sent unsolicited texts’ to a female staff member at The One Show, which he co-presented from 2020 to 2024.
It was subsequently reported that ‘multiple women’ had come forward about explicit messages he sent to colleagues.
This included allegations from a make-up artist who claims that he harassed her for sex while working together at BT Sport in 2017.
That same year, his 14-year marriage to wife Ellie Penfold also came to an end due to his so-called sexting scandal.
The star has now shared his next move in the wake of everything that has happened.
In a lengthy Instagram video captioned ‘time to rebuild,’ Jenas began by saying that he wanted to talk to his followers about ‘transitions in life.’
He began the clip by talking about how he’d once swapped the pitch for a career in television, which had brought about much ‘fear and insecurity.’
It’s a feeling, he says, he’s now experiencing again.
‘I find myself in a similar situation now, it feels [like] the 10, 12 years I had in television is done,’ he said.
‘It’s been a while since I have been back on TV, which is tough to take, but it is part of the process.’
However, he said that he is certain ‘something positive will happen’ – although he admitted that the ‘fear and uncertainty’ has returned.
The life changes he’s made include going to the gym every day, waking up early, and sharing this newfound sense of positivity online.
He added that he felt the urge to speak about his journey because there must be others who feel the same – and he wants to be a ‘guiding light’ to those people.
Jenas’ sense of honesty struck a chord with his followers – including TV personality Josh Denzel, who commented, ‘the sky is the limit, my bro!’
BBC Radio One Live Lounge host Rickie Haywood-Williams also shared words of support, adding: ‘The best is yet to come bro’
Premier League footballer Ryan Sessengon posted a clapping emoji in response, while Robbie Keane posted two heart emojis.
Fellow Jermaine (and TalkSport presenter) Jermaine Pennant joined in, posting two fist-bump emojis under Jenas’ video.
As he wrapped up the video, Jenas promised that he would be sharing more thoughts in the future, in the hope that he could prove an inspiration to his followers.
He said: ‘The mini improvements you can make in your life day in and day out to try and keep in the right direction, knowing that at some point something has to change, keep doing the right things, keep doing positive things and things will eventually drop in your favour.’
Last year, Jenas reflected on the scandal, speaking candidly to comedian Katherine Ryan and pro boxer Derek Chisora on his Let Me Tell You Something podcast.
He began by saying that he had ‘broken a vow,’ and felt as though the level of punishment was ‘up there.’
Jenas continued: ‘I had to take it and have some broad shoulders and handle it, and I feel like I did that.’
Opening up about the texts, he likened them to something out of the 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,’ he said.
‘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.’
In addition to being fired from the BBC, Jenas lost his wife, with whom he shares four children.
Sharing a statement on social media, she wrote: ‘I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.
‘After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.’
Having married in 2011, they welcomed daughters Geneva and Olivia together, plus son Jacob.
Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, 16, from a previous relationship.
Earlier this month, Jenas revealed that he has begun dating 31-year-oldAnne Leplaideur, with whom he lives in Paris.
As news of his firing broke in 2024, Jenas 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.’
Revealing that he’d booked on to therapy, he went on to say that he’d made ‘a lot of mistakes’ and hoped to ‘try and address’ his ‘issues.’
‘I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened,’ he said.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.