The BBC has apologised after admitting it failed to properly investigate allegations about Scott Mills that were raised with the broadcaster last year. The Radio 2 presenter was sacked with immediate effect on Monday over his personal conduct.
It later emerged that Mills had been questioned by police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16, but the case was closed in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. A freelance journalist had contacted the BBC in May 2025 with information about separate allegations of inappropriate communications involving Mills, but the corporation did not respond.
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, had hosted the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show since January 2025, attracting 6.5 million listeners. He was previously a presenter on Radio 1 and took over the afternoon slot from Steve Wright in 2022. Following his dismissal, the charity Neuroblastoma UK confirmed he is no longer a patron.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the investigation into Mills began in December 2016 following a referral from Hampshire Constabulary, relating to alleged offences between 1997 and 2000. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to charge Mills due to insufficient evidence.
