The BBC has apologised after it emerged that the corporation failed to investigate allegations against Scott Mills that were raised last year. The Radio 2 presenter was sacked on Monday over his “personal conduct”, and it later emerged he had been questioned over separate allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16 in 2018, but the case was closed due to lack of evidence.
The Telegraph reported that a freelance journalist contacted the BBC in May 2025 with information about “inappropriate communications” involving Mills. The journalist asked whether the broadcaster had received any complaints about the presenter relating to safeguarding or harassment, but did not receive a response.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We received a press query in 2025 which included limited information. This should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions. We apologise for this and will look into why this did not happen.”
Mills, 53, was taken off air last week and his contract terminated on Monday. The Mirror reported that his sacking related to a police investigation in 2016 into alleged serious sexual offences against a teenage boy, which was dropped in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 40s was questioned under caution in 2018, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to charge him.
Mills joined Radio 2 in 2022 and took over the breakfast show in January 2025, attracting 6.5 million listeners. He has also been dropped as a patron by Neuroblastoma UK. The BBC has faced repeated crises over the conduct of leading figures, including Huw Edwards and Tim Westwood.
