Jermaine Jenas Goes Public With New Girlfriend After Marriage Split

A mirror selfie posted on social media has confirmed Jermaine Jenas' new relationship with a French woman 12 years his junior. The former Match of the Day host placed a hand on Anne Leplaideur's bottom as the couple waited for a lift in Paris, where she lives.

The 43-year-old ex-Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder was left by Ellie Penfold last year, the mother of three of his four children. Their separation followed Jenas' dismissal from the BBC after complaints about "inappropriate texts" sent to female colleagues, which he admitted to while stressing he had done nothing illegal.

A Fresh Start in Paris

Jenas now spends considerable time in the French capital, where his relationship with Leplaideur reportedly began toward the end of last year, according to The Sun. He frequently posts images of himself around Paris on social media, recently captioning one upload with "Bonjour."

While in the city, the 21-cap England international attended the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain at Le Parc des Princes. He co-hosts a podcast called Wildcards alongside fellow former player Jermaine Pennant.

Life After the BBC

Since leaving the BBC, Jenas has launched a production company and appeared on various podcasts to discuss his experiences. The former Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers player is also an avid golfer, having helped Team England retain their Reignwood Icons of Football crown earlier this year at Robinswood Golf Club in Thailand.

He is scheduled to participate in current Spurs star James Maddison's charity tournament later this month at The Centurion Club, which raises funds for charitable causes supporting those in need.

Marriage Breakdown

The family home near Barnet, a six-bedroom property the couple purchased for around £3 million in 2006, went on the market for nearly £5 million earlier this year. Penfold confirmed the separation last year in a statement, saying: "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."

She recently posted on Instagram advising followers, "You don't need a man," after appearing to tackle DIY work with a drill.

Speaking about the breakup, Jenas said: "It was her decision and one that I had to accept. If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I'd probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I'm quite happy to sacrifice."

He added: "It's a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don't, but you figure a lot of things out. The reality is we both were in a position where we were like 'are we really happy?' From her side of things, she'd ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go 'I'll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids'. It wasn't to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that."

Jenas shared the picture of his new woman

Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold spent 16 years together

Jenas clearly has a type - his new WAG looks very similar to ex-wife Ellie

Anne Leplaideur