BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host Scott Mills has been sacked following allegations about his personal conduct, plunging the corporation into another crisis. The claims relate to a 'historic relationship' dating back more than a decade, according to reports.
Mills, 53, who took over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in January 2025, was blindsided by the decision to terminate his contract last Tuesday. The BBC confirmed his departure in a brief statement, saying: 'While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC.'
The dismissal marks the latest in a series of scandals involving high-profile BBC presenters, including Huw Edwards and Tim Westwood. It occurred during Tim Davie's final week as director general, who announced his resignation last year amid ongoing crises. His successor, former Google executive Matt Brittin, will now face the task of finding a replacement for Mills.
Mills had overseen a rise in audience numbers to 6.5 million listeners, making the show the UK's most popular breakfast programme. He joined Radio 2 in 2022, replacing Steve Wright on the afternoon slot, after a long career at Radio 1 and Radio 5 Live.
Lorna Clarke, BBC director of music, informed staff of the news, describing it as 'sudden and unexpected'. She said: '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.'
Mills' temporary replacements include Gary Davies and OJ Borg. Fellow presenter Jeremy Vine expressed shock, saying he only learned of the sacking from the BBC website. Mills, who earned between £355,000 and £359,999 annually, had signed off his final show on 24 March with the words: 'See you tomorrow.'
