The BBC has sacked Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Scott Mills over an unspecified failure of 'personal conduct', removing his content from BBC platforms. The decision, announced on Monday, was taken with unusual speed in the final days of director general Tim Davie's tenure, which ends on 2 April.
Mills, 53, had told listeners on Tuesday morning that he would return the following day, but was absent for the rest of the week. Gary Davies deputised, and the sudden departure has shocked colleagues and audiences, with no prior gossip or leaks about any investigation.
BBC departures of this nature are rare. Presenters are usually suspended pending investigation, as with Wynne Evans and Kaye Adams, whose contracts were recently cancelled over disputed misconduct claims. The rapid termination of Mills's contract, worth about £355,000, suggests the BBC legal department took a swift view.
Mills had been at the BBC since 1998, starting on Radio 1 and moving to Radio 2 afternoon and evening slots before taking over the breakfast show in January 2025. He also presented Top of the Pops and the national lottery draw, and competed on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC has not disclosed the nature of the allegations. The decision appears designed to isolate the controversy under Davie's regime, leaving a clean slate for incoming interim DG Rhodri Talfan Davies and permanent successor Matt Brittin.
