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    Jermaine Jenas will RETURN to talkSPORT in just days – after being sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

    JERMAINE Jenas will return to talkSPORT in a matter of days – just months after being sacked by the BBC.The former One Show host was dropped in August last year amid allegations of workplace misconduct.Jermaine Jenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: TalkSportJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiOn the same day it was confirmed he had lost his £190k-a-year Beeb job, Jenas, 41, anchored talkSPORT’s drive time show – and is due to return to the radio station for the first time over the weekend.The ex-England and Premier League midfielder is pencilled in to form part of the commentary team for the Aston Villa vs Tottenham match. Bosses at talkSPORT were made aware of his BBC sacking moments before he went on air in the summer.It later emerged he had been dismissed after sending explicit texts to two female colleagues.READ MORE ABOUT JENASIt came after the broadcaster had issued reformed workplace culture guidelines in light of the Strictly Come Dancing and Huw Edwards scandals.Jenas made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network which was not shown on British airwaves.JENAS HAS HIS SAYSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking, Jenas apologised to his wife but denied being a sex pest.He insisted he had done nothing illegal but said he was sorry if he made the women involved uncomfortable. Most read in FootballSpeaking less than 24 hours after The Sun revealed he had been fired from Match of the Day and The One Show following the complaints, Jenas said: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.He was sacked in an excruciating online meeting with HR and senior corporation execs, including being shown a string of X-rated messages he’d sent.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told the Sun: “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.“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.“I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard.“Before any of this became ­public, I saw my private doctor and after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love.“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened.“This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC.“And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility.“I was given an incredible opportunity and I know it’s on me that right now I feel I have lost everything. I feel like people are judging me and that I am the number one target right now in the country.”Jenas – who had previously been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host – revealed he was sacked by the BBC five days after the initial HR consultation process began.The BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski informed all staff of the former Spurs star’s sudden dismissal only after The Sun had broken the story online.Jenas insisted he thought this “says everything about the BBC’s handling of it all really”.While former colleagues, both on and off screen, had been advised not to contact him due to the legal situation, he says several well-known faces and production staff have offered their support.Jenas said he knows one of the women involved through work and she gave him her mobile number at a boozy work event.They then “frantically” sexted over 24 hours but he claims it ended amicably.Speaking at the West Lodge Park hotel in North London, Jenas denied sending any sexual pictures or videos.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was not the case.”After being told of the allegations against him, Jenas lied to his wife Ellie in a desperate bid to stall and “find a way out of this mess”. More

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    Roman Abramovich denies owing UK £1billion over tax dodge ‘that helped fund Chelsea’

    FORMER Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied allegations he knowingly owes the UK up to £1billion in unpaid tax.The Russian oligarch had been accused of using the money as part of a botched tax dodge to help fund his purchase of the Premier League club in 2003.Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003Credit: GettyHe denies having any knowledge or being personally responsible for any unpaid tax.The BBC and Bureau of Investigative Journalism claimed leaked documents show hedge fund investments worth £4.7billion were managed in the UK, despite being routed through firms in the British Virgin Islands.They claimed the money can reportedly be traced back to funding Abramovich used to buy Chelsea.But the oligarch’s lawyers said he “always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice” and “acted in accordance with that advice”.READ MORE SPORT NEWSRapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him ON THE BRINKChelsea are close to escaping a points deduction for payments during Abramovich’s ownership, it is claimed.The Stamford Bridge club paid an £8.6m fine to Uefa in 2023 when they confessed to the illegal payments made to agents and players.Chelsea were under legal obligation to own up to the breaches, with Prem legal chiefs investigating the matter for 18 months.But it has emerged that the Blues are now negotiating a financial settlement with Prem legal beaks.Most read in FootballThis would allow them to avoid a points deduction.Last year it was claimed Chelsea were days from going out of business before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club from Abromovich in 2022.The oligarch was sanctioned by the UK over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, meaning he was forced to relinquish control of the club.Joe Ravitch, the banker who oversaw the complex sale of the club to Boehly and Clearlake, claimed there would have been “catastrophic consequences” had the deal not gone through when it did.Ravitch, an American merchant banker who also worked on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United, revealed Chelsea were on the brink of liquidation before the £4.25billion deal was finally approved. More

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    Are there FA Cup replays in the third round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

    THE FA Cup third round is finally underway as the Premier League big boys join the party.However, football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the third round beginsLast season, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.Though in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup third round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup third round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    Man City ‘lodge complaint with BBC’ after never-before-seen move left Premier League champions fuming

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly lodged a shock “complaint” to the BBC over its pre-match coverage of the Manchester derby.The Daily Mail claim the struggling Prem champions were left baffled by the Beeb’s failure to send a reporter from Radio Manchester to cover Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference.Manchester City’s crisis continued against Manchester United last weekendCredit: RexThe Premier League champions have reportedly lodged a complaint to the BBCCredit: ALAMYCity have complained to the national broadcaster for their alleged failure to send a reporter to Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conferenceCredit: MANCHESTER CITYThe Beeb have the rights to air City’s matches on the radio and regularly send reporters to cover the Citzens’ games and media events.Their dedicated City reporter, however, has reportedly been tasked with other assignments in recent times and had colleagues deputise for them.And City are said to be far from happy with the inconsistency, which they believe has affected the broadcasters’ coverage.City are said to have “contacted” Radio Manchester to vent their frustrations. READ MORE ON MAN CITYThe BBC have yet to publicly comment on City’s alleged complaint.But the Mail claim insiders have denied suggestions of not covering City properly, insisting they’re giving them “as much” coverage “as usual”.City’s domestic woes continued in last Sunday’s clash with their local rivals.Guardiola’s troops suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at the Etihad thanks to late goals from Bruno Fernandes and and Amad Diallo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPep Guardiola’s troops are toiling in fifth place in the Premier League tableCredit: REXThe Spaniard said in his post-match press conference: “I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions but I don’t find solutions.”This is a big club and when you lose eight [out of 11 games] something is wrong.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again “You can say the schedule is tough or the injuries to players, but no.”I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that.”I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press.”I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth.”City are currently toiling in FIFTH place in the Premier League table, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. More

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    Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

    SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

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    Major blow to Wayne Rooney as big money TV project on brink of being cancelled due to failing managerial career

    WHILE his wife is Down Under on I’m A Celebrity, Wayne Rooney is in Plymouth fighting to save his career.But I can reveal there’s something almost as lucrative at stake for the footballing family — a big-money documentary which is supposed to be charting Wayne’s ascent in the world of managing.Coleen is set to leave the I’m A Celeb jungle this SundayCredit: RexUnfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be going too well, with fears that he could end up leaving Plymouth Argyle after a poor run of results.With the I’m A Celeb final taking place this Sunday, in a bit of bad timing, Wayne’s departure from the club might come shortly after Coleen exits the jungle.A TV insider said: “The whole point of the documentary was to celebrate his move from player to becoming a manager.“But obviously if that ends up being more of a horror show then the creators, or the Rooneys themselves, may pull the plug on the project.”read more on tvThe documentary is being made by Lorton Entertainment which also produced The Real Wagatha Story, the documentary about Coleen’s court battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy, for Disney+, now available on ITVX.It was expected that the finished Plymouth Argyle show would end up with one of the big streamers too, though that also seems uncertain now.The first documentary Lorton made on Wayne, a feature-length 2022 programme simply called Rooney, dropped on Prime Video.The production company also made Prime Video mini-series We Are New­castle United and backed Boom! Boom!: The World Vs Boris Becker, a two-parter out on Apple TV+ last year.Most read in FootballFortunately for the family, matriarch Coleen is said to have telly execs lining up a few lucrative jobs for her on the back of having made an impression in the jungle.I also exclusively revealed in February there was talk of doing an At Home With The Rooneys show.Inside Wayne Rooney’s incredible trophy room as wife Coleen gives rare glimpse inside Man Utd legend’s house Here’s hoping they materialise at speed.Wayne Rooney’s upcoming documentary could be in jeopardyCredit: RexA PEAKY BLUNDER BY BEEB?TELLY tough guy Vinnie Jones says there is still one show he wishes he had been in – BBC drama Peaky Blinders.Vinnie is gearing up to play notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in the Only Fools And Horses musical at Hammersmith Eventim Apollo this Christmas.Vinnie Jones wishes he’d been in Peaky BlindersCredit: GettyHe told Chris Moyles on Radio X: “I mean, Fools And Horses, it’s one of them where you look at it same as that Peaky Blinders.“Obviously, I wish I would have done that, because I thought I was made for that as well. “Some things you think you’re made for, you know?”Vinnie, who featured in this year’s Netflix smash The Gentleman, added: “I grew up with Only Fools And Horses, and when I was playing foot­ball, it was every footballer’s favourite TV show.“And here we are, a few decades on, and I get asked to do it, and it’s an honour.”GAMBLE’S SAFE BET IS BACKTHERE are few sister shows I enjoy as much as The Traitors spin-off, Uncloaked, so I’m thrilled it is returning.Presenter Ed Gamble will be back with the visualised podcast on New Year’s Day, when season three of Claudia Winkleman’s BBC One show begins.The Beeb promises: “The podcast will take fans deeper with dissection of the episodes and exclusive access to the banished and murdered players.”The juicy section where bumped-off contestants find out which of their pals are the traitors will also return.Uncloaked will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer after every Traitors episode. An extended version will be on BBC Sounds, which will also have weekly playlists of all the music from the show.FORMER Top Gear and The Grand Tour host James May has launched a horseradish gin called Asian Parsnip Turbo. James said: “This is a limited edition, unless you really like it, in which case we may unlimit it.” See jamesgin.com.DUO TAKE PLUNGE?A “WILL they, won’t they” romantic drama has been commissioned by the BBC based on a multi award-winning novel.Open Water tells how keen photographer Marcus and dance student Effie feel an immediate connection when they meet.But Effie is dating Marcus’ friend Samuel.A shared project draws them together but can they resist the lure of love?The story is being adapted into an eight-part series from Caleb Azumah Nelson’s 2021 novel of the same name.Lindsay Salt of the BBC said: “Open Water is a tender, bold and dazzling story about the dance of early love and being seen for who you really are.”STARS from top TV shows have signed up for gritty new thriller Inheritance. The Sky drama will feature Wolf Hall’s Richard Dillane and Happy Valley’s Jack Bandeira.Set in Bristol, the UK and Jamaica, the story follows a mixed-race lawyer investigating an inheritance claim. SPLIT’S BRAVA BRAVOIT’S only a two-part special, but the ­latest helping of legal drama The Split packs in more drama than most ten-episode series.It sees central character Hannah (Nicola Walker) travel to Barcelona for her daughter Liv’s wedding to Spaniard Gael.The two-part special of The Split packs in more drama than most ten part seriesCredit: SISTERThe special sees Hannah Stern (Nicola Walker) travel to BarcelonaTagging along are ­Hannah’s sisters, Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose, (Fiona Button), plus her ex-husband Nathan (Stephen Mangan).Things get complicated when we’re introduced to lawyer Hannah’s new love interest, hunky Archie, played by Toby Stephens, son of the late Dame Maggie Smith. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut she isn’t the only family member caught up in complicated affairs of the heart – all of which is played out over one weekend.The Split: Barcelona airs on December 29 and 30 on BBC One. Both episodes are available on BBC iPlayer on December 29.Hannah’s new love interest Archie is played by Toby StephensHannah is joined in Barcelona by sisters Nina and Rose More

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    Paul Dickenson dead at 74: BBC commentator who covered Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold at London 2012 dies

    FORMER BBC Sport commentator Paul Dickenson has passed away aged 74.Dickenson, who specialised in athletics and winter sports for over two decades, died at home on Tuesday.Paul Dickenson has passed awayCredit: ALAN TOWSE/FAMOUSDickenson worked in commentary for over two decadesCredit: Action ImagesHis death was announced by the BBC on Wednesday evening.Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the man with an iconic voice.One person wrote: “Really sad to read that Paul Dickenson has died. One of my favourite commentators of all time, his voice is very much missed.”While another commented: “Just seen the very sad news that Paul Dickenson has passed away.READ MORE IN SPORT”Having grown up listening to him, it took me a while to pluck up the courage to talk to him when I was first starting out but, once I did, he was always very supportive and just great company.”Dickenson commentated on every Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1992 and 2014.He is one of only five BBC commentators to call Team GB gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.In 2012 he commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold medal in the Olympic heptathlon.Most read in AthleticsDickenson commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at London 2012Credit: ReutersHis final commentary for the BBC was Lizzy Yarnold’s gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in SochiCredit: PA:Press AssociationHis last BBC commentary took place when Lizzy Yarnold won her skeleton gold at Sochi 2014.Before taking up a role in commentary, Dickenson was an Olympic hammerthrower.He represented Great Britain at two successive Olympic games starting in 1976.His best Olympic result was finishing in 14th place that year, where he threw 68.52 metres.Dickenson also commentated on World’s Strongest Man and Superstars, a TV sports competition. More

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    Watch moment BBC reporter walks out of interview after Logan Paul lookalike arrives instead of YouTuber

    A BBC reporter walked out of an interview after Logan Paul sent a lookalike in his place amid allegations of fraud.Paul faces accusations of misleading followers over crypto investments by promoting coins without disclosing his own financial interests.A BBC reporter walked out of an interview after Logan Paul sent a lookalike in his placeCredit: BBCRodney Petersen is othewise known as Not Logan PaulCredit: BBCRodney Petersen with the real Logan PaulCredit: @LoganPaulAccording to the BBC, the YouTuber promoted crypto investments to his followers without disclosing his own financial interests in them.This could allegedly cause prices in the investments to soar – but Paul has denied any wrongdoing.The BBC also claimed that after Paul posted about crypto coin in 2021, an anonymous crypto wallet – which stores keys for cryptocurrency transactions and allow its owners to manage their funds – connected to his public wallet traded and went on to make a profit of $120,000 (£95,000).A BBC documentary, titled Logan Paul: Bad Influence, saw journalist Matt Shea travel to Puerto Rico to try and interview Paul over the allegations.READ MORE IN SPORTShea flys to Puerto Rico to visit the gym owned by both Logan and his brother Jake Paul – who recently beat Mike Tyson in a controversial boxing bout.The reporter noted a “suspicious” number of cameras in the room before realising why.Because Paul had instead sent Rodney Petersen – otherwise known as his stage name Not Logan Paul – in his place. The social media personality has made a career of imitating the WWE, boxing and social media star.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShea says: “You look different.”Petersen responded: “I’m locked in, ready for this interview, do you have any questions?”Jake Paul teases major career change from boxing to follow in footsteps of brother Logan despite beating Mike Tyson With a smile, Shea responds: “I have to say, the real Logan Paul looks very different… Is Logan coming?”Shea then walks away after saying: “Let’s just get out of here, I’m not doing this.”Before he leaves, a group arrives in the room holding placards of Shea’s face while seemingly chanting anti-BBC messages.Shea continues via voiceover: “So rather than defend himself against the allegations we’ve been investigating, Logan decided to troll us.”Minutes after leaving the gym, we receive a letter from lawyers on behalf of Logan Paul, warning us against publishing our allegations.’I lost half a million dollars'”But these allegations against him aren’t going away, in fact, they’ve been building since 2021.”Paul currently faces a multi-million-dollar lawsuit over failed crypto project CryptoZoo amid accusations of fraud.The crypto game did not work as intended and resulted in the class-action lawsuit.Paul – who denies defrauding anyone – has pointed the finger at the games makers.But despite denying wrongdoing, he has offered a $2.3million (£1.8m) buyback program aimed at settling the issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul, 28, said: “I’m going to take care of the people who made me look like this was a scam perpetrated by me. “I didn’t make any f***ing money, bro. I lost half a million dollars on this.” More