Jermaine Jenas 'in new relationship with woman 12 years his junior' after wife split and BBC axe

Jermaine Jenas is in a new relationship following his split from wife Ellie Penfold last year.

The former England international, 43, has been in a relationship with Anne, a 31-year-old brunette based in the French capital, for approximately half a year.

The relationship follows a turbulent period for the ex-midfielder, who was dismissed from his roles at the BBC in August 2024 after complaints emerged regarding inappropriate messages he had sent to female staff members.

His 16-year marriage to Ellie Penfold, with whom he shares three children, officially ended in March 2025.

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An insider told The Sun that the couple began seeing each other in December, with Jenas attempting to maintain discretion around the relationship.

Those close to the former footballer say he is dating a woman employed in the Parisian property sector.

Initially, the 43-year-old dropped subtle hints on social media, including photographs of Anne's Chanel handbag during their outings together.

However, his frequent visits to the French capital have made the seriousness of the relationship apparent.

"Jermaine is always posting pictures from Paris and says he's happier than ever," the source revealed, adding: "You only have to look at the size of his smile to see he's smitten with Anne."

The BBC terminated Jenas's employment in August 2024 following complaints about his workplace conduct.

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The former midfielder, who earned 21 caps for England, later disclosed that he learned of his dismissal during a video call in which corporation executives read aloud his explicit messages.

Speaking following his sacking, the ex-Match of the Day pundit and The One Show presenter expressed deep regret over his actions.

"I was ashamed and had let everyone down," he acknowledged at the time.

Jenas had initially hoped his wife Ellie would be able to forgive him for his behaviour.

However, those hopes were dashed when Penfold confirmed in March 2025 that their marriage had come to an end.

The couple had been together for 16 years, and Ellie is the mother to three of Jenas's four children.

Anne has also travelled to London to spend time with the former footballer, though his more flexible schedule since leaving the BBC has allowed him to make frequent trips to France.

The 43-year-old has since moved into podcasting, co-hosting the football programme Wildcards alongside former professional Jermaine Pennant.

During his football career, Jenas turned out for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers.

He retired from the sport in 2014 after 436 club appearances and 47 goals.

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