Scott Mills has left his role as presenter of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show following an allegation about his personal conduct, prompting a scramble to find his successor. The 51-year-old, who earned between £355,000 and £359,999 a year according to the BBC’s 2025 report, was pulled from the show last Tuesday and his contract terminated by the weekend.
Bookmakers have installed Vernon Kay as the early favourite at 6/4, though his current salary for the mid-morning slot is believed to be comparable, making a move potentially costly. Gary Davies, who has been standing in, is priced at 5/2, while overnight host OJ Borg is at 11/4. Other contenders include Rylan Clark (7/2), Clara Amfo (4/1), Tony Blackburn (6/1), and Claudia Winkleman (8/1).
Mills described taking over from Zoe Ball in 2025 as a “dream come true,” saying: “All roads since have led to this amazing opportunity.” His departure was confirmed in an email from BBC director of music Lorna Clarke, who acknowledged the news would be “sudden and unexpected” for colleagues and listeners.
