Next Story
Newszop

BBC host Alex Jones admits 'I had no idea' as The One Show co-star sacked

Send Push
image

Alex Jones has opened up about her former co-star Jermaine Jenas who was sacked by the BBC and stripped of his presenting duties on The One Show and Match of the Day. The Welsh-born broadcaster, 48, has said she had "no idea" about complaints made against her former co-presenter Jermaine. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was removed from the presenting team at BBC's Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace misconduct.

Before Jermaine was sacked in August, he had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Alex has since revealed she had no idea about the complaints until he was sacked.

image

In a new interview with the Big Issue, Alex said : "I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas] I didn't know what was going on.

"I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave.

"The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right.

"If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well."

image

Jermaine issued an apology after he was axed, saying he had done "nothing illegal" and that "inappropriate messages" sent were "between two consenting adults".

Months later, his wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together.

Taking to Instagram, she penned: "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."

The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.

Loving Newspoint? Download the app now