Scott Mills was the highest-paid presenter at the BBC before he was sacked in March, earning an astonishing £745,000 salary — almost double that of fellow radio star Greg James, who was in second place. The figures emerge from the BBC's latest pay disclosure, highlighting the scale of Mills' fall from grace.
Salary details and context
The Radio 2 breakfast job has historically come with a massive pay packet. Zoe Ball was paid more than £1.36 million during her first year presenting the show in 2019. Mills' salary, however, puts his recent downfall into sharp perspective. The 53-year-old was dismissed after a historic investigation into serious sexual offences against a teenage boy.
I broke the story of his sacking earlier this year, revealing it was linked to the investigation. Despite some howls from Mills' friends over his treatment, the BBC says it had no choice but to dismiss him after learning the child was under 16. Insiders resolutely stand by the decision and are "totally relaxed" about the list showing him in the top earnings spot.
BBC insiders defend decision
One insider said: "In fact it proves hands-down that the power dynamic has swung from the talent back to the BBC. The fact they have sacked their biggest star only proves this point. They are not afraid of making big decisions."
The emergence of Mills' extraordinary earnings puts into perspective the scale of his downfall, despite the fact he was not charged as the Crown Prosecution Service did not have enough evidence. Insiders say he is struggling to accept what has happened to him and insists he still has the support of former colleagues.
Mixed reactions among Radio 2 staff
However, some within Radio 2 are "extremely wary" of what has occurred and are keen to distance themselves from Mills. One insider said: "This portrayal of Radio 2 staff all being up in arms couldn't be further from the truth. There is some support, but on the whole people are nervous about associating themselves with someone who the BBC has fired."
Mills' future uncertain
As for Mills' future, there is a feeling he is not going to take his dismissal lying down. He has retained expensive lawyers who are in discussions with the BBC, and a small number of friends are adamant he can return to public life. A source said: "Scott is currently assessing his options at his villa in Spain. There is a bullish feeling among his friends that he can emerge from this… but just as many feel a path back is unlikely."
