Scott Mills sacked latest: BBC aware of police probe in 2017 but got ‘new information’ weeks before DJ axed – UK Times

The 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.”

BBC 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:

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:

Colleagues 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?”

There’s a big vacancy going at Radio 2 after the BBC abruptly sacked Scott Mills as host of the weekday breakfast show.

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:

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.”

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A 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.”

Scott 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.”

Tory 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.”

Fellow 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.”