Jermaine Jenas’ wife’s ‘final straw’ as real reason for split revealed (
The One Show presenter and former footballer parted ways with the BBC in August after being accused of sending inappropriate texts to female colleagues
Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie Penfold recently announced the couple split up after two decades together.
Ellie, who has four children with the former Tottenham Hotspur footballer, announced the news on social media on Tuesday night. Jermaine, 42, has yet to comment on his estranged wife’s statement. Their breakup comes months after Jermaine parted ways with the BBC in August after being accused of sending inappropriate texts to female colleagues.
At the time, Jermaine apologised for his actions and said he was ‘ashamed’ and ‘deeply sorry’. He added: “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.”
Ellie also broke her silence on the situation and said her focus has ‘been on their children’ and ‘building her brand Preppy’. However, the text messages were reportedly ‘the last straw’ for Ellie as they went through difficult times in recent years. A source close to the situation claimed there had ‘been problems for a while’.
Ellie announced her split from Jermaine this week ( Instagram)
A source said the scandal ‘really affected the kids’
While she was ‘furious’ at his actions, it was how hurt their children were ‘that truly devastated her’. The source said: “It really affected the kids. The girls had to go to school knowing that their father’s name was all over the internet and social media. Can you imagine how awful that must have been?”
They said to MailOnline Ellie tried her best to protect them, adding: “Ellie could only blame Jermaine. It was the most horrific thing for him to do, and it all blew up in his face. It was devastating.” The Mirror have reached out to Jermaine and Ellie’s reps for comment.
In a statement shared on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday night, Ellie announced the end of her marriage. She wrote to her 13,700 followers: “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. Thank you, Ellie.” Jermaine was sacked by the BBC, where he worked as a pundit for BBC Sport and hosted The One Show, in August 2024, after allegations of inappropriate behaviour, with the former England midfielder returning to punditry duties last month for the first time since the scandal.
The controversy led to an internal investigation and, following routine enquiries and his contract was terminated, with Alex Kay-Jelski, the new Director of Sport, playing a significant role in the decision.
