Alex Jones has spoken out for the first time on former co-star Jermaine Jenas’ axe from the BBC.
The Welsh broadcaster worked closely with Jenas on The One Show. As one of the original presenters, Jones joined in 2010, while Jenas came on board in 2021.
Speaking out after Jenas was removed from the lineup last year, Jones has insisted she had ‘no idea’ about complaints made against her former colleague.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, 42, was removed from the presenting team at BBC’s Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace conduct.
Before he was sacked in August, Jenas had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Jones, 48, told the Big Issue she did not know about the complaints until he had left.
She 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,’ she added.
‘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.’
After being let go by the BBC, Jenas apologised, saying 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.
In a statement on her Instagram Story, Penfold 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.’
Jenas returned to broadcasting on TalkSport radio in February after the outlet distanced itself from him in the wake of his departure from the BBC.
Earlier this month, he reflected on ‘losing everything’ in the wake of his scandal, both personally and professionally.
Jenas, who was also dropped by his talent agency after the explicit messages to two BBC co-workers were uncovered, initially hit out at the Beeb, vowing to seek legal action and reminding the public there are ‘two sides to every story’.
Almost one year later, however, he admitted that he didn’t deal with the repercussions of his actions in the ‘right way’.
Speaking candidly on the Let Me Tell You Something podcast, Jenas compared the messages he’d sent to words of Fifty Shades lead Christian Grey.
‘It was sexting, as simple as that, but it was initiated to me, and then I responded.
‘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”,’ he insisted.
‘There was no power element to it going on.’
Jenas went on to say that he accepts ‘full responsibility’ for the fallout, including how his marriage, which he claims was already on the rocks, broke up.
‘I dealt with it wrong and got heavily punished for it by losing pretty much everything that I had at that time.’
Meanwhile, for Jones, this is not the first time she has had a co-presenter leave The One Show.
Married comedian Jason Manford, who joined the programme at the same time as her in August 2010, resigned only three months into the role for sharing sexual internet messages with female fans.
He admitted to sending the messages, telling The Sun at the time: ‘I have decided after careful consideration to step down from The One Show to concentrate on my family and tour commitments.
‘I have only myself to blame.’
Despite co-presenting on the show for a few months, Jones said she is still ‘really good pals’ with Manford.
The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week’s Big Issue, on sale now.
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