Jermaine Jenas lined up for new TV role to replace Vernon Kay

30 October 2023 , 16:20

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Jermaine Jenas has been linked with Formula E broadcasting in the UK (Image: PA)

Jermaine Jenas has emerged as a surprise candidate to host Formula E coverage in the UK.

Experienced broadcaster Vernon Kay previously led coverage of the motorsport series on Channel 4. But he left last year after the Monaco E-Prix when given the opportunity to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2.

Now, the sport is looking not only for a new lead presenter but also a broadcaster in the UK. Its deal with Channel 4 was described as being "multi-year" when announced but has ended after just two seasons.

According to The Race, talks have been held with ITV over a potential deal which could see the sport broadcast on free-to-view channels. TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, is also in the frame to win the rights.

And former England footballer Jenas is named as a potential candidate to lead the coverage. He first rose to fame for his work on the football pitch, best known for his spells with Newcastle and Tottenham.

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But Jenas has become a household name for his broadcasting work since hanging up his boots. Still in the football world, he has been a regular pundit on the Match of the Day and it has been suggested for several years that he is a potential future successor to Gary Lineker as the programme's host.

Jenas fronted a spin-off version of the show, MOTDx, which was aimed at a younger audience but was recently cancelled by the BBC. But he has found more success away from sports presenting as a host of The One Show.

The main problem Formula E must solve, though, is its lack of exposure in the UK in recent years. It has had previous TV deals with the BBC, ITV and Channel 5, but has struggled to find consistent places on those broadcasters' main channels.

Some races were shown on Channel 4's TV platforms last season, but many were limited to live streams on the broadcaster's YouTube channels. Finding a broadcast partner which can give the all-electric championship more airtime on mainstream channels would be of huge benefit to viewer interest in the sport.

Production of pre and post-race programming will be taken care of by Whisper Films. The company, co-founded by ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and former F1 anchor Jake Humphrey, is also behind Channel 4's coverage of F1.

Daniel Moxon