Dermot O'Leary Reacts to Scott Mills' BBC Firing: 'A Complete Shock'
BBC Radio 2 presenter Dermot O'Leary has publicly addressed the sudden firing of his colleague Scott Mills, describing the event as 'a complete shock' that 'came from nowhere' for the entire station team. Mills, a veteran broadcaster with nearly three decades at the BBC, was abruptly taken off air last week and officially dismissed over the weekend due to allegations concerning his personal conduct.
O'Leary's Emotional Response on This Morning
Speaking on ITV's This Morning on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, O'Leary emphasised the close-knit nature of the Radio 2 family, noting that the dismissal blindsided everyone. 'We get together relatively often, it's a lovely place to work, it's very collegiate. This was a complete shock to everyone. It came from nowhere,' he stated, clarifying that he was speaking personally and not on behalf of the BBC.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed Mills' departure, saying, 'While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.' The broadcaster has not elaborated on the specific allegations, leaving staff and listeners in a state of uncertainty.
Background: Police Investigation and Allegations
It has since emerged that Mills was previously investigated by police over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy dating back to the late 1990s, when he worked at BBC Radio 1. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man in his forties was questioned under caution in July 2018 regarding incidents alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.
However, the case was closed due to a lack of evidence, and no charges were ever brought against Mills. It remains unclear whether the BBC was aware of this investigation at the time or if Mills' recent firing is directly related to these historical claims. The ambiguity has fuelled speculation and concern within the broadcasting community.
Immediate Repercussions and Replacement Speculation
In the wake of Mills' exit, the BBC has moved quickly to adjust its programming lineup. Earlier on Tuesday, the corporation confirmed that Mills would not be part of the Eurovision Song Contest commentary team, a role he had held since 2011. Reports indicate that Sara Cox is likely to replace him for Eurovision duties, though the BBC has yet to announce its official presenting roster for the event.
Moreover, speculation is rife over who will take over Mills' coveted BBC Radio 2 breakfast slot. Potential successors being tipped include:
- Rylan Clark
- Dermot O'Leary
- Sara Cox
- Vernon Kay
The sudden vacancy has created a buzz in media circles, with many awaiting an official announcement from the BBC regarding the future of the popular show.
Broader Impact on BBC Radio 2
O'Leary's comments highlight the emotional toll on the Radio 2 team, underscoring the station's reputation as a 'lovely place to work' that values collegiality. The unexpected nature of Mills' dismissal has left colleagues grappling with the news, while listeners express confusion over the abrupt change.
As the situation unfolds, the BBC faces mounting questions about transparency and the handling of personnel matters, especially given the historical context of the police investigation. The broadcaster's next steps in filling Mills' roles and addressing public concerns will be closely watched in the coming days.
