BBC knew of Mills abuse probe in 2017, then sacked him after new information
BBC knew of Mills abuse probe in 2017, then sacked him after new information
BBC confirms awareness of a 2017 police probe into Scott Mills and says he was sacked after new information emerged, with limited details disclosed.
The BBC has confirmed that it first learned of a police investigation into Scott Mills in 2017, and that it terminated the Radio 2 breakfast host’s contract last Friday after what it described as 'new information' about his conduct. The broadcaster said it is mindful of the rights of those involved and will not disclose further details. Mills’ exit follows a long tenure on Britain’s most popular breakfast show, which had been attracting millions of listeners.
Mills, 53, has now spoken publicly for the first time since the news broke, saying that an allegation was made against him in 2016 as part of a police inquiry into a historic offence. He said he fully cooperated with authorities and that a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. He stressed that the investigation related to an allegation dating back almost 30 years and that it closed seven years ago. He asked the public and media to respect his wish not to comment further.
Before his departure, Mills had been presenting Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show since January, succeeding Zoe Ball and helping to grow the audience to about 6.5 million listeners. The BBC noted that there has been much speculation in media and online, but emphasised that there is a limit to what can be said while respecting those involved.
The broadcaster’s decision to end Mills’ contract has prompted discussion about how reputational issues are handled by public institutions, and how broadcasters balance transparency with safeguarding rights. Listeners have reacted with a mix of concern and curiosity about what comes next for Radio 2’s morning slot. The BBC is now facing questions about who will take over the show and how the transition will be managed while maintaining the program’s long-standing audience.
