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    Jermaine Jenas was ‘prepared to be unhappy for the rest of his life’ to stay with wife before she divorced him

    JERMAINE JENAS has admitted that he would have been willing to be “unhappy for the rest of his life” in order to stay with wife Ellie Penfold.Ellie announced her split with former Tottenham and England star Jenas in March.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie split up in MarchCredit: GettyJenas, 42, opened up on his break-up during a podcast appearanceCredit: YouTube/FILTHYFELLASTheir break-up came six months after Jenas was axed by the BBC following a sexting scandal.The 42-year-old was relieved of his services by the Beeb after being accused of sending X-rated texts to two female colleagues.Jenas, who has four children with Ellie, went on to admit to sending the messages, but stressed that the texts were consensual and that he had not broken the law.The former One Show host told The Sun that Ellie was “raging” following the allegations – but that he hoped to work through their issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn March, however, Ellie took to Instagram to reveal that their marriage was over after 14 years.Jenas, who returned to punditry work with talkSPORT in February, has now opened up on his marriage ending during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast.Speaking candidly about his break-up, Jenas said: “It was her decision and one that I had to accept.”If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I’d probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I’m quite happy to sacrifice.”Most read in FootballThe former couple have four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas then went on to add: “It’s a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don’t, but you figure a lot of things out.”The reality is we both were in a position where we were like ‘are we really happy?’Jermaine Jenas says he’s ‘coming back a better person’ as he returns to talkSPORT after ‘inappropriate’ texts”From her side of things, she’d ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go ‘I’ll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids’.”It wasn’t to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that.”Speaking frankly about the situation, Jenas said of why he and Ellie broke up: “The reality is, me and my wife haven’t split up because I sent some text messages to some people at work.”We had issues for a period of time, it all comes to a head and you eventually make a decision to say, as adults, we will be better parents for our children if we just remain friends and that’s it.’DRAGGED ME OUT THE GUTTER'”We had 16 amazing years together, me and my wife, how many people last that long? Sixteen years. Ups and downs. She caught the wrong end of my [playing] career, bless her.”She was the one that dragged me out of the gutter when my knee was hanging off, career done. She’s the one that picked me back up and gave me the belief and the strength to go ‘get yourself back out there, I believe in you’.”Upon his return to talkSPORT in February, Jenas vowed to learn from his mistakes.’WORK ON YOURSELF’The former Match of the Day pundit said: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind…”There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.”Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future.”Confirming their split a month later, Ellie wrote on Instagram: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.Read More on The Sun”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.”Jermaine and Ellie are hoping to remain friendsCredit: AlamyEllie confirmed their break-up on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram @elliejenas More

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    Jermaine Jenas & wife of 16 years SPLIT – months after he was sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

    JERMAINE Jenas and his wife Ellie Penfold have split up after 16 years together – only months after he was sacked by the BBC.The former footie star was fired as a Match of the Day pundit and One Show host over “inappropriate texts” sent to female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie have separatedCredit: InstagramEllie shared the separation statement on InstagramCredit: InstagramFormer Match Of The Day presenter Jermaine issued a public apology to Ellie, the mother of three of his children in The SunCredit: Andrew StyczynskiHeartbroken ex-model Ellie announced the couple were separating in an Instagram post earlier today. It read: “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. read more in Sport”Thank you, Ellie.”The pair have been married for 14 years since they tied the knot in 2011.They also share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas, 42, also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Most read in FootballThe ex-England midfielder had spent the last few months apologising to his family and the public since the texts came to light.Jenas’ dad Dennis openly admitted last year that Ellie had kicked him out of the main bedroom the couple shared at their £1million home in Hertfordshire.Jermaine Jenas says he regrets ‘cheating’ & is unsure if wife will forgive himSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking from the BBC, 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.Speaking 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.He told the Sun: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.”In the same interview, he confessed to lying to wife Ellie during a family holiday and sneaking off to take a Zoom call with BBC bosses over his X-rated messages.He told The Sun in August: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”In 2023, Jenas and Ellie clashed as he started spending more time socialising with his One Show work colleagues.The pair had explosive rows but, Jenas admitted, they quietly worked through their issues with the help of couples therapy.Jenas only returned back to work last month as he appeared on talkSPORT after a six-month break.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe made it clear he was “coming back as a better person” and has spent the time off “looking inwards, making some improvements”. The pundit made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network but it wasn’t shown on British airwaves.Jermaine Jenas Scandal TimelineJERMAINE Jenas was dismissed in August for sending inappropriate messages to the women he worked with.Here’s what happened:August 22The BBC receives complaints about Jenas workplace behaviour, in regard to text messages.August 22 – Jenas is sacked by the BBC amid allegations he sent inappropriate messages to a female colleague.The presenter is taken off air from both Match of the Day and The One Show.Other colleagues begin to come forward.Jenas responds to BBC sacking: “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.”The BBC responds to Jenas’ sacking: “We can confirm Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”In an exclusive interview with the Sun on Sunday, Jenas revealed he wanted to say sorry to girls he texted but the BBC blocked him.September 7November 24The couple share four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas leaves News UK in August after his last appearance on talkSPORTCredit: Peter JordanJenas was a promising footballer with England and made more than 300 Premier League appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Jermaine Jenas’ talkSPORT comeback is a ‘glimmer of hope’ woke cancel culture is almost over

    COULD Jermaine Jenas’s return to broadcasting signal the beginning of the end of the toxic cancel culture which has, for so long, plagued our society?Sadly, probably not.Jermaine Jenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: UnpixsJenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the texts scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiBut his talkSPORT comeback does provide us with a glimmer of hope that people can make mistakes and not have their careers ended for good.Now, before I go any further, I’d like to make clear I do not condone his actions which forced BBC bosses to wield the axe on his roles there.Sending what one of his female colleagues on The One Show said were unsolicited flirty texts is wrong, and he has caused suffering to multiple women – not least his poor wife Ellie Penfold.His actions cannot be excused, and BBC bosses were right to give him the boot from The One Show and his Match of the Day punditry gig.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASBut should a man who has held his hands up and apologised profusely really be banished from doing any job ever again?The answer from the woke brigade would be a resounding yes, of course.But while what Jenas did was wrong on multiple levels, he has not done anything criminal.He apologised, in an interview with The Sun, to those he had hurt – his family, friends and, most importantly, the women he had messaged.Most read in FootballHe even admitted he had started receiving therapy, confessing he probably has a “problem”.Now he has been offered a role back on talkSPORT – where he was working as news of his sacking broke last August – as part of the commentary team for this Sunday’s FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and Spurs.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingAnd he clearly still has something to offer.Here is a 41-year-old man who spent 13 years as a professional footballer, making 341 appearances for clubs including Premier League sides Spurs and Newcastle, and winning 21 senior England caps.A man who was once touted by the great Gary Lineker as his successor as Match of the Day host.So well done to talkSPORT chiefs for giving him a lifeline.And here’s to hoping others will be prepared to follow suit and fight back against cancel culture. More

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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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    Jermaine Jenas makes shock return in new TV gig – two months after BBC axe

    JERMAINE Jenas has made his return to TV with a new pundit gig this afternoon – just two months after being axed from the BBC.Jermaine lost his £190k a year job at the public broadcaster after being caught sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas has returned to TV after being sacked by the BBCCredit: PAHe was spotted at Emirates stadium todayCredit: InstagramJenas lost his job on The One Show after sending ‘inappropriate’ textsCredit: BBC Press HandoutHis Match of The Day gig also came to an endCredit: InstagramBut today Jermaine was seen broadcasting on the sidelines at Emirates stadium, where Arsenal and Liverpool were playing.The shamed presenter was covering the match for an overseas broadcaster, so he will not be seen on British airwaves.It comes after Jermaine recently teased his return to presenting.In an instagram story last month, the former Spurs star told fans that there was “some exciting stuff that I’ve been working on, so you’ll all have that to look forward to very soon.”read more on jermaine jenasHe also thanks fans for their support adding: “I’m looking forward to getting back and talking about what I love most. So last of all, thank you very much and I’ll see you soon.”The 41 year was old was given the boot by the BBC back in August for sending unsolicited communications to two female staffers at the corporation.The Sun exclusively revealed he the messages to the two women who worked on The One Show.He was immediately pulled from air on both The One Show and Match of the Day.Most read in FootballJermaine also presented on TNT Sports and has not appeared on the network since the scandal, although it is believe he will return and has not lost his job there.In a sitdown interview with The Sun after the story broke, Jermaine expressed his remorse and admitted he did not known if his marriage to wife Ellie would survive.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told The Sun: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Praising her as an “amazing mother”, he said she was focused on the care of their two daughters and young son.He revealed: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.“They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He continued: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.The pundit revealed his marriage to Ellie was on the rocks in AugustCredit: instagram/@elliejenas More

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    New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

    THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

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    Jermaine Jenas will NOT work for TNT Sports this month after he is sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts’

    JERMAINE JENAS will NOT be working for TNT Sports this month following his axing from The BBC.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder has been fired from the national broadcaster due to alleged “inappropriate behaviour”.Jermaine Jenas has been axed by the BBC over alleged “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: GETTYJenas’ Beeb axing has raised questions over his future with TNT SportsCredit: PAJenas is currently not slated to be on TNT Sports for the next few weeksCredit: GettyJenas was sacked after a female member of staff on The One Show claimed she received “unsolicited texts” from the 41-year-old.The Beeb have launched a probe into the allegations, which have raised questions about his punditry duties with TNT.And according to The Mirror, TNT currently don’t have Jenas “pencilled in for games over the next few weeks”.TNT have yet to release a statement on the allegations made against Jenas, who was part of their broadcast team for Liverpool’s trip to Ipswich last Saturday.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASThe allegations against Jenas have likely ended his dream of succeeding Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.Jenas’ axing comes just weeks after the Beeb announced an independent review into its workplace culture in light of the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.A well-placed source told The Sun: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.”Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.Most read in FootballJermaine Jenas is understood to be “devastated” by his BBC axingCredit: GETTY”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.Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’”At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”Jenas was live on talkSPORT when news of his sacking broke, although he declined to provide an in-depth comment on his dismissal.The married dad-of-four said “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.”There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”The retired midfielder later added: “I’m not happy about this situation.”I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.” More

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    Gary Lineker drops huge hint over who will replace him as Match of the Day host with cheeky ‘later’ remark to pundit

    GARY LINEKER has dropped a huge hint as to who will eventually replace him as the host of Match of the Day.The veteran presenter, 62, hinted that it will be Jermaine Jenas to step into the hotseat when he decides the time is right to step down.
    Lineker has hosted the show for nearly 24 yearsCredit: BBC
    But Jermaine Jenas is the favourite to replace him when he eventually stands asideCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Lineker will celebrate his 24th anniversary of presenting the show later this month and has previously said his time presenting the BBC’s flagship football show is “nearly up”.
    Jenas has been the long-running favourite to eventually replace Lineker.
    He previously presented Match of the Day’s spin-off show MOTDX, which was recently cancelled after four years.
    He’s also strengthened his presenting chops by hosting the One Show alongside Alex Jones.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Jenas appeared on last night’s MOTD as a pundit alongside Ashley Williams when the hint was dropped.
    When analysing Everton’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, Jenas asked Lineker what he thought about a penalty incident in the game and said: “I always like to get the striker’s opinion”
    After giving his verdict, Lineker said: “You want this job?”
    Jenas awkwardly replied with a smile: “No, no, not yet,” to which the legendary presenter simply said while looking across at him: “Later.”
    Most read in Football
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    Jenas, 40, has made no secret of his desire to present Match of the Day in the past, previously telling The Daily Mail: “I would obviously be up for it.
    “It’s Match of the Day and it would be a great opportunity.” More