The BBC has moved swiftly to announce a replacement for Scott Mills on its popular Race Across the World podcast, following the abrupt termination of the presenter's contract earlier this week. Tyler West, a former contestant on Celebrity Race Across The World, will now host the spin-off series titled Race Across the World: Detour.
Background to the Sudden Departure
Scott Mills, the 53-year-old former host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, had been scheduled to present the podcast alongside Alfie Watts, winner of last year's main series. However, the BBC dropped Mills after reports emerged that an alleged victim in a 2016 police investigation into the presenter was under the age of 16. That investigation was closed without charges in 2018.
Mills confirmed the historic police probe in a statement released on Wednesday evening, expressing gratitude to colleagues and listeners for their support. His departure has left BBC executives scrambling to fill multiple roles he previously held.
Tight Turnaround for Podcast Launch
With the main Race Across the World television programme returning to screens at 8pm on Thursday, producers faced a tight deadline to secure a new host for the accompanying podcast. The spin-off, described by the BBC as the "wilder sibling" of the travel competition show, will feature weekly discussions about the main programme's developments.
The inaugural episode will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds immediately following the television broadcast. It promises to be a family affair, with West joined by his fiancée Molly Rainford, a fellow Strictly Come Dancing star, and Ted Lasso actor Kola Bokinni alongside his sister Yinka Bokinni.
Additional Vacancies at the BBC
Beyond the podcast hosting duties, Mills' dismissal has created several other vacancies that BBC bosses must address. On Radio 2, Gary Davies has been temporarily filling in on the breakfast show, with names like Vernon Kay and Clara Amfo reportedly under consideration for the permanent role.
Meanwhile, Mills' Eurovision presenting responsibilities are expected to be transferred to Sara Cox. The future of the Pop Top 10 podcast, which Mills co-hosted with Rylan Clark, remains uncertain following his departure.
Alfie Watts, who won the civilian version of Race Across the World and has since built a career as a travel influencer, will continue to contribute travel tips and hacks to the Detour podcast despite the change in hosting arrangements.
