BBC Sacks Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills Over Personal Conduct Allegations
The BBC has dismissed Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Scott Mills following the receipt of "new information" relating to allegations of serious sexual offences, the corporation confirmed on Monday 30 March 2026. Mills, 53, had worked for the BBC for nearly three decades and was the corporation's 11th highest-paid star, earning between £355,000 and £359,999 annually.
The dismissal has been described as a "new crisis" for the BBC, occurring in the final week of Director General Tim Davie's tenure and prompting questions about how the corporation handled earlier warnings about Mills's conduct.
Timeline of Events
The BBC confirmed it had been aware since 2017 of a Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000. Mills was questioned by police under caution in July 2018 and reportedly denied the claims. The investigation was closed in May 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
In May 2025, freelance journalist Anna Brees contacted the BBC with details of alleged "inappropriate communications" involving Mills, asking whether the corporation was aware of any formal or informal complaints. The BBC has since admitted it did not follow up on this query — an omission it has apologised for, stating it "should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions."
In the weeks prior to 27 March 2026, the BBC obtained "new information" relating to Mills and spoke directly with him. His contracts were terminated on Friday 27 March, with the dismissal publicly confirmed on Monday 30 March — six days after Mills had signed off his final breakfast show, saying "Back tomorrow," apparently unaware of his impending dismissal.
BBC's Response
Lorna Clarke, the BBC's director of music, informed staff via email that the news would be "sudden and unexpected" and a "shock" to both staff and listeners. Acting Director General Rhodri Talfan Davies acknowledged the "pressure this puts on" staff. The BBC stated it had "acted decisively" once new information was received, while acknowledging the failure to follow up on the 2025 press query.
Following his dismissal, children's cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK announced it had "parted ways" with Mills, who had been a patron of the organisation. His programmes have also been removed from BBC iPlayer and Spotify.
Why It Matters
The case raises serious questions about the BBC's internal processes for handling allegations against high-profile presenters, particularly given the corporation's awareness of the police investigation since 2017. It follows a series of controversies involving BBC talent and has intensified scrutiny of how public broadcasters manage safeguarding concerns.
What's Next
The BBC has not confirmed who will permanently replace Mills on the Radio 2 breakfast show. The corporation is expected to face further questions from MPs and the media about its handling of the case. Full reporting is available from BBC News and The Guardian.
