One Show's Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC for 'inappropriate behaviour' after Match of the Day link

Jermaine Jenas has been sacked by the BBC with immediate effect for 'inappropriate behaviour' just weeks after he was tipped as frontrunner to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.

Since retiring from football in 2016 due to a niggling knee injury, ex Newcastle, Spurs and England midfielder Jermaine has been a regular face, as a pundit on Match of the Day and then as one of the main presenters on The One Show, being teamed with the likes of Alex Jones, Alex Scott and Lauren Laverne.

But now his days with the BBC look to numbered, with the broadcaster launching an internal investigation after concerns were raised about his behaviour and a spokesperson confirming he is no longer pat of their presenting line-up. A source told The Sun: "This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC. Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine's behaviour. After some immediate routine enquiries the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract."

READ MORE: Jermaine Jenas forced to host Talk Sport show just as BBC sacking confirmed

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Jermaine, 41, was last seen on episode of The One Show towards the end of July and was noticeably absent when Match of the Day returned for a new season last weekend. Him being missing in action came after several bookies saw him as the top candidate to replace long serving host Lineker, should he be let go by the BBC or decide to leave the Saturday night show of his own accord.

Just a few weeks ago, Jermaine took to Instagram to celebrate a successful season in his new career venture as a pundit for Formula E, writing: "Absolutely loved my first season in @fiaformulae thank you to everyone involved for helping me grow into the role it’s an incredible team and I can’t wait to get going again next year." The post was commented on by several stars, including One Show colleague Lauren, who celebrated his success with a series of applause emojis.