The BBC has lined up a new presenting duo for its Eurovision coverage following Scott Mills’ sudden departure, according to reports.
Mills, 53, would traditionally have fronted commentary for the semi-finals of the annual song contest, which this year takes place in Austria. However, changes are understood to have been made behind the scenes after he was taken off air last week.
Now, it has been reported that Sara Cox and Rylan Clark will step in for this year’s Eurovision coverage. Both presenters are familiar faces to BBC audiences and have previously been involved in the broadcaster’s Eurovision output.
The presenter was abruptly pulled from the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show before it was confirmed he had left the corporation.
Mills was dismissed following an allegation relating to his personal conduct, reportedly linked to a relationship with a teenage boy under 16 more than a decade ago, which was previously investigated by police but resulted in no charges due to insufficient evidence.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force.
“The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.
“As part of these enquiries, a man in his 40s was interviewed under caution in July 2018.
“A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”
Mills had signed off his final breakfast show last Tuesday with “See you tomorrow”, before being replaced on air by colleague Gary Davies without explanation.
The BBC later confirmed his exit, saying: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”
According to reports, staff were left shocked by the news, with some said to have been “shell-shocked” when the announcement was made internally.
Mills only took over the flagship breakfast slot in 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball.
The Standard has contacted representatives for Sara Cox and Rylan Clark for comment.
