Former BBC Radio 2 DJ, Scott Mills has broken his silence and said he had been subject to “rumour and speculation” since the BBC announced his sacking earlier this week.
Mills was fired on Monday over “allegations about his personal conduct”. It later emerged he was investigated by police in 2016 after claims of “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000. The case was closed in 2019 after officers deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Mr Mills said he “fully cooperated” with a 2016 police investigation relating to an allegation of a historical sexual offence.
““In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018,” Mills said.
It comes after the BBC admitted it knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017. The BBC said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks prior to his sacking.
Key Points
- Scott Mills said he has been subject to 'rumour and speculation'
- BBC new of police probe in 2017, but recently received 'new information'
- BBC apologises for not investigating claims last year
- Scott Mills 'not returned any contact' following BBC sacking - watch
- BBC says Scott Mills axed from Eurovision Song Contest coverage
Who will replace Scott Mills as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host?
07:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThere’s a big vacancy going at Radio 2 after the BBC abruptly sacked Scott Mills as host of the weekday breakfast show.
Mills, who stepped in to host the programme after Zoe Ball left in 2024, was fired by the corporation after allegations about his personal conduct.
There’s now a big question mark surrounding who will be recruited as Mills’ full-time replacement. Since the 53-year-old DJ was taken off the air last week, resident Radio 2 stand-in Gary Davies has been hosting the show – but it’s a sure bet the BBC are lining up a household name to take on the role.
Who will replace Scott Mills as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host?
Scott Mills said he has been subject to 'rumour and speculation'
06:00 , Rebecca WhittakerFormer Radio BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills said he had been subject to “rumour and speculation” since the BBC announced his sacking earlier this week.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Mills said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation.
“In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.
“As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
Watch: Dermot O’Leary addresses Scott Mills’ sudden firing
05:00 , Rebecca WhittakerScott Mills shows in jeopardy after BBC sacking – from Eurovision to Race Across the World
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAs revelations about Scott Mills’ exit from the BBC continue to come to light, bosses are facing tough decisions about a number of projects the high-profile presenter was due to front.
The BBC announced on Monday (30 March) that presenter had been fired over “allegations about his personal conduct”.
After his abrupt exit, it wasn’t just the Radio 2 Breakfast Show that found itself down a presenter.
Here are all the projects – including a Channel 4 programme – which could also be in jeopardy…
Read the full article here:
Scott Mills shows in jeopardy after BBC sacking – Eurovision to Race Across the World
Who is the current favourite with bookmakers to replace Mills?
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerVernonKay has emerged as the favourite to replace Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 after the breakfast show host was sacked over allegations relating to his personal conduct, according to a bookmaker.
Kay, who hosts a mid-morning show on Radio 2, is currently the favourite with bookmaker William Hill to replace Mills.
Last month, the station’s head Helen Thomas said Vernon Kay continues to be “the most listened to show on UK radio”, attracting 6.7 million listeners each week.
Timeline of events before Scott Mills sacked from BBC Radio 2
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe BBC has said “new information” led to the decision to sack former Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills.
The DJ was abruptly taken off air last week after signing off his last show on Tuesday, March 24 with: “See you tomorrow.”
On Monday, a BBC spokesperson 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.”
Read more here to see the timeline of the events that led up to his sacking:
Timeline of events before Scott Mills sacked from BBC Radio 2
Cancer charity has 'part ways' with Scott Mills
00:00 , Rebecca WhittakerCancer charity Neuroblastoma UK has said it has decided to “part ways” with Scott Mills, who has been a patron since 2021.
A statement from the charity said: “Following his dismissal from the BBC, Neuroblastoma UK have taken the decision to part ways with Scott Mills and he is no longer a patron of our charity.”
Watch: BBC is 'driven by fear' of media says former DJ amid Scott Mills sacking
23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerScott Mills has been axed from Eurovision Song Contest coverage
22:00 , Rebecca WhittakerScott Mill was set to commentate during the Eurovision Song Contest, but since he was sacked from the BBC over his “personal conduct” he has been axed.
The former BBC Radio 2 presenter has featured on the semi-finals of the competition since 2011, which airs on BBC One on Tuesday and Thursday in the lead-up to the grand final.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster confirmed Mills is no longer contracted to work on any projects, and 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.”
Journalist who reported Mills to BBC 10 months ago 'didn't get a response'
21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerA freelance journalist who contacted the BBC press office after being made aware of unspecified allegations said she “didn’t get a response”.
Anna Brees, who presented news programmes for the BBC between 2003-2011, emailed the broadcaster with concerns 10 months ago.
She said: “Someone who knew I used to work for the BBC volunteered some information about Scott Mills messaging someone inappropriately.
It was a credible source and I was concerned so I decided to contact the BBC to make them aware of it and see if they came back with anything. I didn’t get a response.”
The BBC said in a statement: “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.
“More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us.”
Watch: Dermot O’Leary addresses Scott Mills’ sudden firing
20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerBBC knew about the police investigation in 2017
19:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe BBC knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017, the corporation admitted, but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks prior to his sacking.
The corporation revealed it had terminated the BBC Radio 2 presenter’s contracts on Friday just days after taking him off air, but has now said this followed new information it received in recent weeks.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.
“We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
“What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values, and terminated his contracts on Friday March 27.”
The BBC added: “Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”
Scott Mills said he has been subject to 'rumour and speculation'
18:38 , Rebecca WhittakerFormer Radio BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills said he had been subject to “rumour and speculation” since the BBC announced his sacking earlier this week.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Mills said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation.
“In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.
“As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
Who is the current favourite with bookmakers to replace Mills?
18:00 , Holly EvansVernonKay has emerged as the favourite to replace Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 after the breakfast show host was sacked over allegations relating to his personal conduct, according to a bookmaker.
Kay, who hosts a mid-morning show on Radio 2, is currently the favourite with bookmaker William Hill to replace Mills.
Last month, the station’s head Helen Thomas said Vernon Kay continues to be “the most listened to show on UK radio”, attracting 6.7 million listeners each week.
Listen: Listen to Scott Mills' final sign off on his last show
17:00 , Holly EvansScott Mills shows in jeopardy after BBC sacking – from Eurovision to Race Across the World
16:00 , Holly EvansAs revelations about Scott Mills’ exit from the BBC continue to come to light, bosses are facing tough decisions about a number of projects the high-profile presenter was due to front.
The BBC announced on Monday (30 March) that presenter had been fired over “allegations about his personal conduct”.
After his abrupt exit, it wasn’t just the Radio 2 Breakfast Show that found itself down a presenter.
Here are all the projects – including a Channel 4 programme – which could also be in jeopardy…
Read the full article here:
Scott Mills shows in jeopardy after BBC sacking – Eurovision to Race Across the World
Listen: Scott Mills 'not returned any contact' following BBC sacking
15:02 , Holly EvansHampshire Police had passed the case to the Met in 2016
14:16 , Holly EvansThe Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the 53-year-old in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.
Mills was questioned under caution by officers in July 2018 and The Sun has reported Mills denied the claims at the time and informed the BBC.
The newspaper said BBC bosses decided not to take the then Radio 1 presenter off air at the time and the case was later dropped in May 2019 due to lack of evidence.
Hampshire Police say the sexual offences allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016 and that the force logged the details and passed on information to the Met for investigation.
The Met, which does not identify people under investigation pre-charge, said it closed its investigation in May 2019 following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service that “the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges”.
Watch: BBC is 'driven by fear' of media says former DJ amid Scott Mills sacking
13:15 , Holly EvansBBC knew of Mills police investigation in 2017, but recently obtained 'new information'
12:57 , Tom BarnesThe BBC knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017 but obtained “new information” in the weeks prior to his sacking and “acted decisively”, the corporation said.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: “Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.
“We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
“What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March.
“The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
“Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”
ICYMI: BBC knew about police investigation into Scott Mills in 2018 – reports
12:31 , Holly EvansBBC bosses reportedly knew former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills had been questioned by police in 2018 – more than seven years before he was sacked.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the 53-year-old in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.
Mills was questioned under caution by officers in July 2018, and The Sun reported Mills denied the claims at the time and informed the BBC.
Read the full article here:
BBC knew about police investigation into Scott Mills in 2018 – reports
Scott Mills shows removed from BBC iPlayer and Spotify after sudden sacking
11:25 , Holly EvansProgrammes hosted by radio presenter Scott Mills have been removed from both BBC iPlayer and Spotify in the wake of his sacking from the BBC.
The DJ, 53, hosted the Radio 2 breakfast show for the final time last Tuesday (24 March) and was sacked over the weekend due to “allegations about his personal conduct”, the BBC said.
It has since emerged that he was questioned by police under caution in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.
Read the full article here:
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Scott Mills shows removed from BBC iPlayer and Spotify after sudden sacking
Jeremy Vines says Scott Milss sacking feels 'unfair'
10:47 , Holly EvansColleagues at BBC Radio 2 reacted with shock at Mills’ sacking, with presenter Jeremy Vine drawing a comparison with how the BBC dealt with Huw Edwards, who was given a suspended jail sentence after admitting making indecent images of children.
The corporation was informed that Edwards had been arrested in November 2023 but continued to employ the veteran broadcaster until April 2024, when he resigned on medical advice.
Vine said on Tuesday there was a suggestion BBC bosses had acted swiftly against Mills because they “decided to treat Scott as they wish they treated Huw, which would be a bit unfair, would it not?”
Who will replace Scott Mills as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host?
09:53 , Holly EvansThere’s a big vacancy going at Radio 2 after the BBC abruptly sacked Scott Mills as host of the weekday breakfast show.
Mills, who stepped in to host the programme after Zoe Ball left in 2024, was fired by the corporation after allegations about his personal conduct.
There’s now a big question mark surrounding who will be recruited as Mills’ full-time replacement. Since the 53-year-old DJ was taken off the air last week, resident Radio 2 stand-in Gary Davies has been hosting the show – but it’s a sure bet the BBC are lining up a household name to take on the role.
Read our culture team’s take on who could take the top spot:
Who will replace Scott Mills as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host?
Dermot O’Leary addresses Scott Mills’ sudden firing: ‘It came from nowhere’
09:19 , Holly EvansBBC Radio 2 host Dermot O’Leary has addressed the sacking of his colleague Scott Mills, saying that it’s been “a complete shock” to the whole team.
Mills, who spent nearly three decades at the BBC, was suddenly taken off air last week and fired at the weekend over “allegations about his personal conduct”.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster 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.”
Read the full article here:
Dermot O’Leary addresses Scott Mills’ sudden firing: ‘It came from nowhere’
Journalist who reported Mills to BBC 10 months ago 'didn't get a response'
08:36 , Holly EvansA freelance journalist who contacted the BBC press office after being made aware of unspecified allegations said she “didn’t get a response”.
Anna Brees, who presented news programmes for the BBC between 2003-2011, emailed the broadcaster with concerns 10 months ago.
She said: “Someone who knew I used to work for the BBC volunteered some information about Scott Mills messaging someone inappropriately.
It was a credible source and I was concerned so I decided to contact the BBC to make them aware of it and see if they came back with anything. I didn’t get a response.”
The BBC said in a statement: “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.
“More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us.”
Mills dropped by charity Neuroblastoma UK
07:46 , Holly EvansScott Mills has been dropped by child cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK, where he was a patron, after news of his dismissal broke.
"Neuroblastoma UK have taken the decision to part ways with Scott Mills, and he is no longer a patron of our charity," the organisation said in a statement.
"We have communicated this decision to Scott and his team, and would like to thank him for his support to date."
Kemi Badenoch says BBC facing 'yet another scandal'
07:00 , Holly EvansTory leader Kemi Badenoch told the Press Association on a visit to Hertfordshire: “This is yet another scandal that the BBC has to contend with.
“It is a large and complex organisation, and I think that this is one of the things that the new director-general is going to need to get to grips with.”
Dermot O'Leary says Mills sacking was a 'came from nowhere'
06:00 , Holly EvansFellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Dermot O’Leary has said that the firing of Scott Mills has been a “complete shock”.
This Morning anchor O’Leary, who hosts an early-morning weekend slot on Radio 2, said: “This came as a complete shock to everybody, it came from nowhere”.
He said on the ITV daytime show: “As part of the Radio 2 family – and it is a family, everyone gets together, it’s a lovely place to work, it’s very collegiate.”
Clara Amfo tipped as potential replacement for Mills
05:00 , Holly EvansClara Amfo, 41, has been a fixture of British TV and radio over the past decade-plus, having joined BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2013, as host of the weekend breakfast show. In 2015, she succeeded Fearne Cotton as host of the BBC Radio 1 mid-morning show.
She is also known for hosting Radio 1’s Future Sounds series between 2021 and 2024, having taken over the role from Annie Mac.
The big reasons Amfo is being considered a contender are that she is familiar with the BBC, a well-known household name, and is currently available.
Addressing her decision to leave BBC Radio 1, Amfo said last year that she had felt “completely satiated” by the job and wanted to avoid it becoming a “chore”. On television, Amfo is known for presenting at the Brit Awards, Top of the Pops and The One Show.
