The BBC has issued an apology after admitting it failed to properly investigate allegations about Scott Mills that were raised last year. The broadcaster confirmed that a press query received in May 2025, which included information about alleged 'inappropriate communications' involving the Radio 2 DJ, was not followed up appropriately.
Mills was sacked with immediate effect on Monday over his 'personal conduct'. It later emerged that he 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. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation, which began in 2016, related to alleged offences between 1997 and 2000.
A freelance journalist had contacted the BBC in May 2025 asking whether the corporation was aware of any related matters or had received formal or informal complaints about Mills regarding safeguarding or harassment. The BBC did not respond to the query. A 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, took over the Radio 2 breakfast show in January 2025 and grew its audience to 6.5 million listeners, making it the UK's most popular breakfast show. He had previously worked on Radio 1 and Radio 5 Live. Following his dismissal, charity Neuroblastoma UK confirmed he is no longer a patron.
The sacking is the latest in a series of scandals involving BBC presenters, including Huw Edwards and Tim Westwood. The BBC has stated it is committed to creating a culture of accountability.
