BBC Confirms Tyler West as New Host for Race Across the World Podcast
The BBC has officially announced that Tyler West will take over as the host of the Race Across the World podcast, replacing Scott Mills, who was recently sacked from the broadcaster. This decision comes after Mills' contract was terminated due to an allegation of personal conduct, specifically related to a historic sexual offence investigation from 2016.
Details of the Podcast Replacement
Tyler West, a TV star and DJ who competed in the celebrity series of Race Across the World last year, has been confirmed as the presenter for the new video podcast titled Race Across the World: The Detour. He will be joined by Alfie Watts, the winner of series four, who will share travel tips and hacks. The podcast is described as the "younger, wilder sibling" of the TV show, aiming to chart the ups and downs of the new series with weekly guests.
Background on Scott Mills' Departure
Scott Mills, a long-standing BBC Radio 2 star with over 20 years at the broadcaster, was set to front the podcast but was sacked this week. The BBC's decision stems from a 2016 police investigation into serious sexual offences. Mills was questioned under caution at the time, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. In a public statement, Mills confirmed the allegation relates to him and expressed gratitude for support while requesting privacy.
Podcast Availability and Features
Race Across the World: The Detour will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds immediately after each new series episode airs, starting tonight, April 2. The first episode will feature guests Kola Bokinni and Molly Rainford, with Yinka Bokinni appearing in a bonus episode on BBC Sounds. The podcast will welcome various guests, including travel-savvy creators, comedians, and celebrity fans, to discuss destinations and share adventure stories.
This announcement marks a significant shift for the popular podcast, as the BBC moves forward with new hosting talent following the controversy surrounding Mills' departure.
