Scott Mills sacked latest: Radio 2 DJ previously investigated over sexual offence allegations against teenage boy

BBC presenter took over the Radio 2 breakfast show in 2024
Scott Mills was investigated by the police in 2016 after allegations of “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy.

The Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the investigation, was interviewed under caution over incidents alleged to have taken place between 1997 and 2000, but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.

The presenter, 53, joined the BBC in 1998 to host Radio 1 ’s early breakfast show, before moving to Radio 2 after 24 years to take over its afternoon slot.

In November 2024, he was announced as the new Radio 2 breakfast host, replacing Zoe Ball .

After nearly three decades with the corporation, it was reported by BBC News on Monday (30 March) that Mills had been sacked over “allegations about his personal conduct” – and has been reported this was linked to conduct from more than 10 years ago.

A BBC spokesperson said in a statement that “while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC”.

The Independent has contacted the BBC and Mills for comment.

Mills was one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC, with his 2024-2025 salary revealed to be between £355,000 and £359,999.

Watch: Former DJ says BBC ‘driven by fear’ and calls for more transparency
Who will replace Scott Mills as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host?

There’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.

Our culture team have broken down the most likely names to take his place:
Scott Mills ‘has stopped returning calls’ after BBC sacking as colleague warns against ‘feeding frenzy’
What have the Metropolitan Police said?

The Metropolitan Police does not identify people who are subject to an investigation before any charges are brought.

A 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 inquiries, 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 advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”
Scott Mills investigated by police in 2016 for 'serious sexual offences'
Scott Mills was investigated in 2016 over “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy.

The DJ was abruptly taken off air last week and sacked over the weekend from BBC Radio 2.

He last hosted his show on Tuesday March 24 and signed off 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.”
The allegation relates to a relationship with a male from more than 10 years ago, according to The Mirror.

It is unclear if Mills’s sacking is directly related to the 2016 police investigation.

Mills had an average weekly audience of 6.47m
Scott Mills, 53-year-old from Southampton took over the breakfast show from Zoe Ball last year.

The latest Rajar figures in February showed Mills had an average weekly audience of 6.47 million between October and December 2025, up from 6.16 million the previous quarter and his highest figure since taking over the Radio 2 breakfast show.

The BBC annual report in July 2025 revealed he earned between £355,000 and £359,999 a year.

Vernon Kay tipped as favourite to replace Scott Mills
Vernon Kay 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.

The BBC confirmed on Monday that the 53-year-old is no longer contracted to work with the company.

The sacking has left a vacancy at BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show just over a year after Mills took over from Zoe Ball as host.

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.

Jeremy Vine reacts to Scott Mills sacking from BBC Radio 2
Scott Mills sacking reportedly linked to 'historic' conduct
Scott Mills’s sacking from BBC Radio 2 reportedly relates to ‘historic’ conduct.

Reps for Mills have been contacted for comment.

What does this mean for Eurovision 2026?

Mills’ sacking comes just over a month before Eurovision 2026 – which he typically covers for BBC Radio 2.

The presenter usually hosts alongside Rylan Clark each year, while last year they were joined by Richie Anderson and Sara Cox.

It’s currently unknown whether he’ll be replaced for this year’s coverage.