BBC Radio 2 Stars React in Shock to Scott Mills' Sudden Sacking Over Conduct Allegations
BBC Radio 2 colleagues have expressed stunned reactions to the sudden and unexpected sacking of presenter Scott Mills, following allegations regarding his personal conduct. The news broke live on air during the station's 12pm bulletin, sending shockwaves through the broadcasting community.
Jeremy Vine 'Taken Aback' by On-Air Announcement
At the start of his BBC Radio 2 show, presenter Jeremy Vine revealed he was "taken aback" by the news about Scott Mills. Vine stated, "Obviously, I was taken aback by that opening story to the news. I had not heard anything about it until 17 minutes ago, when it was on the BBC website, and I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin. I have nothing more, that it was allegations about Scott Mills's personal conduct, which have led to him being sacked. I have no more than that."
BBC Confirms Departure Without Commenting on Individual Matters
A statement from the BBC corporation to BBC News confirmed, "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC." This formal announcement came after Mills, 53, who took over the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in January 2025, was last on air on Tuesday.
Veteran DJ Gary Davies replaced Mills from Wednesday onwards, without addressing the reason for his absence, simply telling listeners, "Morning, Gary in for Scott." In what became his final show, Mills had joked about waxing his legs and doing Stars In Their Eyes with fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay, before signing off with, "See you tomorrow."
Internal Email Describes News as 'Sudden and Unexpected'
In an email sent to staff, Lorna Clarke, director of music, reportedly wrote, "I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity."
Scott Mills' Extensive BBC Career
Mills began his BBC career on Radio 1 in the late 1990s as the early breakfast host, progressing to weekend slots and an early evening show while providing maternity cover for Sara Cox. When Cox did not return, the programme was renamed The Scott Mills Show. In 2022, he joined Radio 2, replacing Steve Wright in his weekday afternoon slot, before taking up the Breakfast Show after Ball's departure.
Beyond radio, Mills has presented a weekend show on Radio 5 Live, appeared on series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing paired with professional dancer Joanne Clifton, and served as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest on the BBC. His sudden departure marks a significant shift in the Radio 2 lineup, leaving colleagues and listeners alike processing the unexpected development.
