The BBC’s decision to dismiss Scott Mills is understood to be connected to a complaint relating to a 2016 police investigation into alleged historic “serious sexual offences” involving a teenage boy.
The Radio 2 presenter, 53, was interviewed under caution in 2018, then in his 40s, in connection with claims said to date back to between 1997 and 2000.
No further action was taken at the time, with the case dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Initially it was reported that he had been sacked from his BBC Radio 2 show following allegations about his “personal conduct” said to relate to a “historic male relationship”.
The presenter took over the Breakfast Show from Zoe Ball last year after she announced that she was stepping down to “focus on family”.
On Monday, the news broke that the broadcaster had been abruptly taken off his Radio 2 show last Tuesday.
What are the conduct claims?
The BBC said Mills had been dismissed following allegations relating to his personal conduct, though no further details were provided.
It has now been revealed he was investigated by police in 2016 into alleged sexual offences against a teenage boy under the age of.
He was questioned under caution but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman 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 who was in his 40s at the time of the interview was questioned by police under caution in July 2018. A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this, the investigation was closed in May 2019.” The Standard has contacted Mills’ representative for comment.
What the BBC says
The BBC said: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”
In a statement seen by The Mirror, it was noted that “this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock”.
According to the publication, Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, said to staff: “I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC.
“I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV.
“I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.”
‘Blindsided’ over the departure
Mills was told at the weekend that his contract was terminated, sources claimed.
He was last on air on Tuesday, when he ended the programme as usual and handed over to fellow presenter Vernon Kay.
He is said to have been completely “blindsided” by claims, signing off from his last show with: “I’m back tomorrow, with Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Thank you!”
The following morning Gary Davies stepped in to host the flagship breakfast slot, telling listeners he was “in for Scott Mills” as the BBC filled the schedule at short notice.
Davies has since continued as stand in host.
The sudden departure comes just weeks after he was announced as a host for Race Across The World spin-off The Detour.
Scott Mills’ career at the BBC
Mills joined Radio 1 in 1998, initially presenting the early breakfast show between 4am and 7am.
He moved to an early evening weekday slot in July 2005 while covering for Sara Cox during her maternity leave.
When she chose not to return, the programme became The Scott Mills Show, airing from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
It was confirmed in July 2022 that he would move to Radio 2, where his new afternoon show launched on 31 October, running from 2pm to 4pm.
The programme replaced Steve Wright in the Afternoon. Mills then stepped into the flagship breakfast slot, taking over from Ball last year.
His salary jumped from £315,000 to a reported £355,000-£359,999 when he fronted the BBC’s flagship morning programme.
