Inside Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie Penfold’s split months after text scandal

According to a source, Jerry Jenas’ wife would have to live with his accusations that he had sent inappropriate texts to female coworkers.

After nearly 20 years of dating, Ellie Penfold and the former football player split this week, less than a year after Jermaine left the BBC due to the texts scandal.

Jermaine, 42, pleaded with Ellie to save their union at the time. According to a source, Ellie remained a tight-lipped until her social media bombshell on Tuesday, which occurred as a result of the mother’s overreaction.

The source continued, “She couldn’t bear it because it was too difficult for her to live with… The kids were really affected by it. The girls were required to attend school because they were aware of their father’s prominent online and social media presence. Can you imagine how awful it must have been?”

Ellie told her 14, 000 Instagram followers that Jermaine, who has played for England 21 times, and they will continue to co-parent their three children, ages two to 11, and that they “remain friends.” Additionally, Jennifer has a 16-year-old daughter who was previously in a relationship.

The source continued, “Ellie could only blame Jermaine,” in a statement to Mail Online. He did it in his absolute worst way, and it completely blew up in his face. It was awound. She had been his devoted and faithful wife for a long time and had raised his children.

Jermaine, who spent eight years playing for Tottenham Hotspur, was fired from his BBC role in August 2024. A female One Show employee earlier that month complained that he had sent her explicit text messages and images.

Ellie had largely left her husband’s publicist to speak on her behalf since then, including when she launched Preppy for teens at the end of last year.

However, the mother posted a personal note on Instagram on Tuesday saying, “I never thought I would have to, but given the circumstances, I feel it’s necessary. Jermaine and I have separated after 16 years of dating and having 4 wonderful children. We’ll continue to be friends and co-parent.

Source: Mirror