BBC Purges Scott Mills' Top of the Pops Episodes from Archives
Scott Mills has encountered a significant new setback as the BBC has allegedly erased episodes featuring him as the host of Top of the Pops from its archives. The 53-year-old presenter was dismissed by the corporation last week, just six days after being taken off air following his final Radio 2 breakfast show.
Viewers Spot Missing Episodes on BBC Four
Observant viewers have noticed that episodes of the iconic music programme, available on BBC Four, which featured Scott Mills during his 1999 hosting stint, have been removed. Taking to social media platform X, they commented: 'BBC Four are skipping the 6, 13 and 20 August editions of #TOTP, as they're the final three presented by Scott Mills...' and 'Have they had to skip weeks of Top of the Pops 1999 because of Scott Mills? A jump from 2 July 1999 to 23 July 1999!' Additional remarks included speculation about BBC staff deleting old episodes and anticipation over not seeing Mills' editions.
According to reports from The Daily Star, the BBC will not rebroadcast any Top of the Pops episodes that include Scott Mills. The Daily Mail has reached out to the BBC for a statement on this matter.
Eurovision 2026 Replacement Revealed
Simultaneously, the presenter's replacement for Eurovision 2026 has been disclosed as the BBC continues to distance itself from him across television and radio roles. Scott Mills will no longer participate in the annual contest, with fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox set to take over, as reported by The Sun. The BBC confirmed it has cancelled all future collaborations with Mills, encompassing coverage of the event scheduled for May.
Mills has served as a commentator during Eurovision's semi-finals, broadcast on BBC One in the lead-up to the final, since 2011. Recently, he was joined by Rylan Clark on these shows and also guided listeners through the live Eurovision final on BBC Radio 2. However, Sara Cox, 51, will now assume the role after commentating on the semi-finals during a radio programme last year alongside former commentator Rylan.
Honorary Doctorate Under Review
In further developments, Scott Mills may also lose his Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Southampton Solent University. The academic institution's Honorary Doctorate Scrutiny Panel is reportedly convening to decide on the issue, with officials suggesting the prestigious title be revoked. A source informed The Mirror: 'The committee will meet later this month. It will be recommended that the honorary doctorate is rescinded.' The Daily Mail has contacted Mills' representatives for comment.
Reflecting on the honour previously, Mills expressed that it 'felt amazing after not really doing any education before', adding that he learned from colleagues in the industry rather than formal schooling.
Widespread Removal of Content and Roles
Following his dismissal, Scott Mills' programmes on iPlayer have been deleted, along with a plaque at Fleet services on the M3. The radio personality has also been replaced on Race Across The World's spin-off show by TV presenter and DJ Tyler West, 30. It was earlier announced that Mills and series four contestant Alfie Watts would co-host a podcast titled Race Across the World: The Detour. Mills and his husband Sam triumphed in the second celebrity series of Race Across The World in 2024.
The DJ, who earns between £355,000 and £359,999 annually from the BBC, succeeded Zoe Ball on the Radio 2 breakfast show in 2025. A senior broadcaster at the BBC described 'total shock' within the corporation after Mills' sacking. Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, communicated to staff via email: 'I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock.' She acknowledged the long-standing collaborations with Mills across various BBC programmes and expressed understanding of the audience's surprise, promising updates on future show plans while refraining from further comments.
