Former Premier League player Jermaine Jenas is being prosecuted for allegedly using his mobile phone while driving.
The incident is said to have happened while Jenas was driving a black Range Rover in London on October 14 last year. The 39-year-old's case is due to be heard behind closed doors at Bromley Magistrates Court on Friday and he could receive a driving ban and fine if found guilty.
The One Show host is being prosecuted under the single justice procedure. He allegedly drove the vehicle in Marsh Lane, Stanmore "when he was at the time using an interactive communications device, namely handheld mobile device," according to court papers.
Jenas is best known for representing Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and QPR during his professional career, making 280 Premier League appearances. He also won 21 senior caps for England, scoring once against Switzerland in February 2008.
The ex-midfielder won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008 and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2003. His career effectively ended in April 2014 - aged 31 - after suffering a serious knee injury in training. He never played professional football again.
Jenas became a football pundit and presenter after his career finished. He was named as the permanent host of The One Show in 2021. He recently conducted the draw for this year's World Cup and has been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day.
Jenas could be banned from driving and receive a £1,000 fine for the offence if found guilty. Other punishments include six penalty points and a £200 fine, or three penalty points for those who "do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead of proper control of the vehicle."
The UK government's website reads: "It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.
"For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web. The law still applies if you're stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, supervising a learner driver, driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving, and holding and using a device that's offline or in flight mode."
Those who are using their phone in an emergency or for a contactless payment are exempt. The law also doesn't apply to those who are parked or using a device to park their vehicle remotely.
Several ex-athletes have moved into presenting after retiring from competing. Peter Crouch, Andrew Flintoff, Jamie Redknapp, Ian Wright, Dion Dublin, Alex Scott and Mirror Sport columnist Sam Quek are among those to have fronted a television show.
"I’ve absolutely loved being a part of The One Show, Alex, the team and the viewers have made me feel so welcome and we’ve had a lot of fun already," said Jenas after landing The One Show gig. "I'm really looking forward to joining as a full-time host."
