Scott Mills Axed by BBC Over Personal Conduct Allegations
BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Scott Mills has been sacked by the broadcaster following allegations concerning his personal conduct. The BBC confirmed his departure on 30 March 2026, stating Mills is no longer under contract. This decision came after he was initially taken off air the previous Tuesday, with Gary Davies stepping in as his temporary replacement.
Previous Admissions of Alcohol Struggles
Mills has not publicly commented on his recent dismissal. However, in a past interview from 2012 with Now Magazine, he openly discussed his battles with alcohol. He revealed that following the death of a boyfriend from a drug overdose when he was 26, he turned to heavy drinking as a coping mechanism.
"I was 26 and we spent every minute together... It was truly awful," Mills said, describing the profound impact of the loss. He admitted to habits such as smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, including two bottles of wine or a bottle of spirits nightly while watching television, calling it a "way to escape."
Drunk on Air Incident and Self-Criticism
Reflecting on a specific incident where he went on air while intoxicated, Mills expressed regret and self-awareness. "That could have been a massive f*** up for me. Even I would've sacked me," he stated. He credited Radio 1 for their understanding during that difficult period, noting they were aware of his personal struggles related to his boyfriend's death.
Despite this past transparency, the BBC's recent action stems from separate allegations tied to his personal conduct, details of which have not been disclosed publicly. The broadcaster emphasized in a statement that they do not comment on individual matters but confirmed Mills' departure.
Career Highlights and Sudden Departure
Mills had taken over the prestigious BBC Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025, describing it as a "dream come true" and a culmination of his broadcasting career. His removal came as a shock to BBC staff, with Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, personally informing them via a statement on Monday.
"I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock," Clarke wrote, acknowledging his long tenure across various BBC programmes including Radio 1, 5Live, Radio 2, and television.
Support and Aftermath
The article highlights resources for those struggling with alcohol abuse, pointing to organizations like alcoholchange.org.uk for advice and support. Mills' case underscores the challenges of personal conduct in high-profile media roles and the consequences of past admissions resurfacing in professional contexts.
