BBC Terminates Scott Mills' Contract Following New Information
The BBC has confirmed the sudden termination of former Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills' contract, citing "new information" that came to light in recent weeks. The DJ was abruptly taken off air last week after signing off his final show on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with the words: "See you tomorrow."
Chronology of Events Leading to Dismissal
The timeline of events stretches back decades, with allegations first emerging in the late 1990s. Here is the complete sequence of developments:
- 1997-2000: The Metropolitan Police state that allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16 were reported to have occurred during this period.
- October 1998: Mills begins his BBC career, joining Radio 1 to present the early breakfast show.
- December 2016: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary receive an allegation of non-recent sexual offences against a teenage boy, dating to the 1990s. This is passed to the Metropolitan Police.
- 2017: The BBC becomes aware of an ongoing police investigation, though the corporation did not specify an exact date in its April 1, 2026 statement.
- July 2018: Mills is interviewed under caution by the Met. The Sun later reports that Mills denied the claims and informed the BBC.
- May 2019: The police investigation is closed with no arrest or charge after the Crown Prosecution Service advises that evidence is insufficient.
- July 2022: Mills moves to BBC Radio 2, succeeding Steve Wright as weekday afternoon presenter.
- November 2024: Mills takes over from Zoe Ball to present BBC Radio 2's prestigious breakfast show.
- May 2025: Freelance journalist Anna Brees emails the BBC about alleged "inappropriate communications" involving Mills but receives no response, according to The Telegraph.
- March 24, 2026: Mills hosts his final Radio 2 show, signing off with "See you tomorrow."
- March 25, 2026: Veteran DJ Gary Davies replaces Mills, telling listeners simply: "Morning, Gary in for Scott."
- March 27, 2026: The BBC terminates Mills' contract after obtaining "new information" in recent weeks, though this remains private.
- March 30, 2026: The Mirror reports Mills has been sacked over allegations relating to personal conduct, understood to involve a historic relationship from over a decade ago. BBC News confirms the sacking, stating Mills is "no longer contracted." The news leads Radio 2's noon bulletin, with Jeremy Vine saying he is "taken aback." Lorna Clarke, director of music, emails staff calling the news "sudden and unexpected." The Met issues a statement confirming a man was questioned in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
- March 31, 2026: Police tell BBC News the teenage boy was under 16. Children's cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK announces it has "parted ways" with Mills, who had been a patron. The Telegraph reports Brees' 2025 email about "inappropriate communications," with the BBC admitting it "should have been followed up."
- April 1, 2026: The Mirror reports the BBC acted on new information when sacking Mills, while The Sun says the BBC knew of the original police investigation. The BBC confirms in a statement that it knew about the 2017 investigation but "acted decisively" after new information emerged recently.
Corporate Response and Aftermath
On Monday, a BBC spokesperson stated: "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 corporation emphasized that it acted upon receiving fresh details about Mills' conduct, though specific information remains undisclosed.
The swift removal has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting community, highlighting the BBC's stringent response to allegations of misconduct. The timeline reveals a complex history of investigations and corporate awareness, culminating in decisive action based on recently uncovered evidence.
