Matt Baker addresses BBC The One Show comeback after Jermaine Jenas axe: 'You never leave family'
Matt Baker has spoken out about a possible One Show comeback after Jermaine Jenas' sacking
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Matt Baker has addressed the possibility of returning to The One Show now that there is a vacant presenter spot following Jermaine Jenas's sacking.
Former footballer Jenas was axed from his role as a host of the BBC show for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a female colleague.
Jenas was one of three permanent presenters on the magazine programme alongside long-serving Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.
The former Spurs midfielder, who also regularly appeared on Match of the Days and BBC Radio, had his contract terminated in August and he is "speaking to his lawyers" about the sacking.
Since his axe, The One Show has swerved any mention of Jenas's departure while public figures like Jeremy Clarkson have had their say on the saga.
This week, it was Baker's turn to wade into the conversation having presented The One Show for just under a decade before leaving in 2020.
Matt Baker used to be a regular host on The One Show from 2011 to 2020
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With a Jenas-shaped hole left in the presenting line-up, Baker has addressed the chances of him stepping back on to the show's famous sofa.
"All of the shows that I've worked on over the years, even like Blue Peter especially, you leave the show but you don't leave the family," he said fondly of the BBC show.
"I think that's an important thing to remember and look, if they needed me then I'm more than happy to have a chat with them and see how I can be helpful.
"Who knows, who knows at the moment, I've not had any conversations with anybody, but like I say, it's a show that I still absolutely love.
Jermaine Jenas has been a presenter on The One Show for years
BBC
"I spent nine years of my life dedicated to it and it's a show that's very close to my heart.
"It's a family and you never leave the family," he cryptically signed off during his chat with The Sun.
At the time of his sacking, Jenas was presenting live on air on talkSport radio.
He remained tight-lipped while on the airwaves, although admitted he was "not happy" about the decision, but has since spoken out at length about the verdict.
Jenas has insisted he's done "nothing illegal" but admitted: "I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry."
The presenter is alleged to have sent inappropriate messages to two colleagues on The One Show.
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Jermaine Jenas has had his contract terminated by the Beeb
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"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," he added to The Sun.
"I am sorry for what I have put them through. I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self- sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.
“I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard.
“Before any of this became public, I saw my private doctor and after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love."