Former BBC Radio 1 and 2 presenter Scott Mills has broken his silence for the first time since his abrupt dismissal from the broadcaster, revealing he retreated to his mother's home in Mayfield to mark his 53rd birthday away from the media storm in London. Mills boarded a train shortly after receiving the news over the weekend, opting for a low-key celebration with his mother Sandra, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and with whom he shares a deeply close bond.
Emotional Retreat Amidst Professional Turmoil
Sources close to Mills indicated that he specifically chose to spend the day with Sandra, who has been a steadfast supporter of his career since his teenage years. However, the mood was reportedly sombre, with an onlooker describing Mills as looking "solemn" upon his return home. Sandra herself is said to be devastated by her son's departure from the BBC, having witnessed his struggles with anxiety early in his career, including an incident where he was too anxious to exit the car for his first radio job.
Background of Allegations and Investigation
The Mirror disclosed that the BBC terminated Mills' contract on Wednesday, April 1, after receiving compelling new information. This followed revelations that the BBC had been aware of historical allegations against Mills since 2016, relating to serious sexual offences involving a boy under the age of 16. The Metropolitan Police questioned Mills in 2018 as part of an investigation that began in 2016, but the Crown Prosecution Service closed the case in 2019, citing insufficient evidence to bring charges.
In a statement, Mills addressed the situation, writing: "The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018." He added that the CPS determined the evidential threshold was not met, and he hopes for privacy given the allegations date back nearly 30 years.
Impact on BBC Staff and Personal Life
Staff at the BBC are reportedly reeling from Mills' departure, with one employee telling Mail Online: "There are a lot of hurting people here. He was very popular." Meanwhile, Sandra's health has been a focal point in Mills' life; she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition she initially kept secret from the family, fearing it might be a brain tumour. Mills has spoken publicly about her diagnosis, highlighting the family's emotional journey.
A close friend of Mills expressed the collective shock, stating: "I don't know where we go from here – it feels like a giant kick in the stomach." Mills concluded his statement by thanking his former colleagues, listeners, and those who have shown kindness, emphasising his miss for the beloved audience.
