There’s said to be a leading candidate to replace Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show
The race to replace sacked Scott Mills is on as the BBC look to fill one of the highest paid jobs in radio. Radio 2’s Breakfast Show host has left his position following an allegation relating to his personal conduct. He was hauled off air last Tuesday, but his contract was terminated at the weekend, the Mirror revealed today.
Loved by fans and one of the BBC’s biggest earners, the corporation’s annual report released in July 2025 showed Scott earned between £355,000 and £359,999 per year. He received a further pay increase after taking over from Zoe and he appeared to have everything he wanted after getting hitched two years ago.
That means the lucrative role he leaves behind will be in high demand and, according to a leading bookmaker, Vernon Kay is the early favourite to replace him. But that may cost the BBC big with the 51-year-old, who hosts Radio 2’s mid-morning show, already understood to be earning a similar amount.
READ MORE: Scott Mills says ‘it’s like a dream’ in last Instagram post before BBC sackingREAD MORE: Radio 2 stars’ stunned response to Scott Mills sacking as news breaks live on air
A wage hike would be required with 4am get-ups required for the breakfast show and with money tight at the BBC, bosses may need to look elsewhere. Current stand-in Gary Davies is also a 5/2 bet with overnight host OJ Borg among the leading contenders.
Rylan Clark is also well-backed, with Clara Amfo, veteran presenter Tony Blackburn and Claudia Winkleman also high up in the bookies’ listing. Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “With Scott Mills’ departure from BBC Radio 2 confirmed, attention has quickly turned to who takes on one of the biggest roles in UK radio.
“Our early betting has Vernon Kay out in front at 6/4, but right behind him is Gary Davies at 5/2 and OJ Borg at 11/4, having previously hosted the show. Other potential candidates include Rylan Clark (7/2), Clara Amfo (4/1) and Tony Blackburn (6/1), followed by Strictly Come Dancing and Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman (8/1).
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“Joe Wilkinson and Alex Horne are 10/1 and 20/1 respectively to replace Mills on one of the flagship BBC Radio shows.”
Gary was last week called up to stand in for Mills, with a swift explanation to Breakfast Show listeners as to why the familiar voice was not on air. Experienced Gary, later joined by Jason Manford, stepped in the next morning and attempted to explain why he was on the mic and not Scott.
He said: “I know it’s a strange voice on the radio… Scott’s off for the next few days. I’m Gary Davies looking after the show. Its nice to be with you again at this time in the morning. Let’s be honest, it’s no fun going to bed at 8pm in order to be with you at this time in the morning and getting up at like 4, but once you’re here you’re alright.”
Mills had replaced Zoe Ball on the breakfast show in 2025 and explained how it was a ‘dream come true’ at the time. “It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity,” he told the audience. “It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”
Director of Music, Lorna Clarke, sent a blistering email to Scott’s colleagues informing them the star, who had been on a contract in the region of £355,000 and £359,999 per year, wouldn’t be returning to work.
In the email, she said: “I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected, and therefore must come as a shock.
“Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.
“Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too. I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I’m able to. While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything further now.”
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