The One Show presenter Alex Jones said she had ‘no idea’ about the complaints made against her former co-host Jermaine Jenas
The One Show presenter Alex Jones said she had ‘no idea’ about the complaints made against her former co-host Jermaine Jenas. The former footballer, 42, who presented alongside Alex on the programme for four years, was dismissed from the BBC last August due to improper conduct.
Former Match of the Day star Jermaine admitted to sending lewd messages to two former colleagues at the BBC. In addition to losing his BBC role, the former England midfielder saw his representation with a talent agency terminated. His 14-year marriage to Ellie Penfold also ended as their separation was publicly acknowledged in March.
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In a new interview, Welsh presenter Alex revealed she didn’t know anything about the complaints until Jermaine left the corporation.
The 48-year-old 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.”
Jermaine recently appeared on The Dressing Room Podcast with ex-Chelsea players Carlton Cole, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge and compared the worlds of football and television.
He spoke candidly about the cutthroat nature of the television industry, revealing that gossiping and backstabbing are commonplace.
The star claimed that he experienced this firsthand during his time on The One Show, where he worked with various stand-in presenters. “Television is not like [football], they just talk behind your back,” he revealed (via Wales Online).
“Everybody in television would just lie to your face. When I was a main presenter on the show, sometimes when Alex Jones wouldn’t be working because she was having children at the time, I was working with various female presenters.
“We’d come off air and they’d go, ‘Oh did you like her JJ’, I’m like, ‘Yeah she’s really good, it’s her first time, she’s done really well.’ And then I’d just see them talking c*** about them going, ‘Yeah she’s not coming back.'”
After being sacked from the BBC, he apologised and said he had done “nothing illegal” and that “inappropriate messages” sent were “between two consenting adults”.
Months later, Jenas’ wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. She said 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.
“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.
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