'She's absolutely raging' - Jermaine Jenas admits to 'cheating' as he reveals how his wife Ellie Penfold has reacted to his BBC sacking - but insists he's 'not a sex pest' in apology after sending inappropriate messages

The former Tottenham player had his Match of the Day and One Show roles terminated by the BBC this week after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to two female colleagues. The 41-year-old said "nothing physical" ever happened with the colleagues but he did consider what he did "cheating" on his wife. However, he insisted they were "consenting adults" and he is not a "sex pest".

He toldThe Sun: "We’ve [me and my wife] not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging. It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house. They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”

The former Newcastle United player added: “I wasn’t going through some kind of BBC vault trying to get women’s numbers. I’m obviously going to say I’m not a sex pest. These were consenting adults I was texting.

“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened. This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC. And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility."

The former England international says he has been with his ex-model wife Ellie Penfold for 15 years now and they have three children together. She is reportedly standing by Jenas, despite being livid at the situation. The Sun adds that after his sacking, Jenas was shown a string of X-rated messages - in an online meeting with HR and senior BBC executives - he had sent two colleagues on the One Show, something he claims he is deeply remorseful for.

He added: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry. 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."

Ex-Aston Villa loanee Jenas will likely step back from his work in front of and behind the camera to try and save his marriage. The report adds he is considering suing the BBC for their handling of the crisis.