As fresh questions are raised as to why the BBC didn’t investigate claims made against Scott Mills one year ago, the Mirror takes a look at the whistleblower’s allegations, and the panicked 48-hour period that ensued at Broadcasting House
In a matter of just a few short days, Scott Mills has gone from being one of the most popular radio presenters to being in a state of ‘oblivion’.
Now, questions have been raised as to how much the BBC knew about the former Radio 2 DJs’ alleged personal misconduct, after the network admitted yesterday revealed that it had been contacted with allegations over inappropriate communications. The Mirror revealed that the BBC was forced to terminate Mills’ contract after receiving compelling new information about separate allegations which left them no choice, while colleagues and listeners alike were left reeling in the aftermath of the unexpected sacking.
For now, it’s unclear exactly what was said between Mills, 53, and executives during “tense” crisis talks; while questions remain about why such claims were left uninvestigated while Mills continued to enjoy a prime appointment at the helm of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Here, the Mirror takes a look at the whistleblower’s allegations, as well as the panic that unfolded at the BBC over a dramatic 48-hour period.
READ MORE: Scott Mills’ BBC sacking update as bosses ‘unaware’ boy was under 16
Historic allegations
The Met launched an investigation into Mills in December 2016. According to the Met, a referral was made by another force in regard to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy, which reportedly took place between 1997 and 2000. At the time of the investigation, Mills was in his 40s. The first of the alleged incidents occurred when he was around 24 years old and still employed at Heart FM. One year later, he joined the team at BBC Radio One. The Metropolitan Police has told the Mirror that the teenage boy at the centre of the investigation was under the age of 16 at the time of the alleged offences.
The Mirror previously revealed that the DJ was questioned in 2018 regarding historical allegations of serious sexual offences, but the investigation, which was launched in 2016, closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring forward charges.
Then, in May 2025, a former presenter made contact regarding information about alleged “inappropriate communications” involving the Mills, but didn’t receive a response. In an apology regarding this, the BBC has admitted it should have followed up on the complaint. It is not suggested that the matters are related to the same alleged victim whose 2018 report led to Mills’ police interview.
The scandal has since escalated, as it’s emerged that the BBC knew about the police investigation back in 2017. In a statement, the corporation said: “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.”
Tense meeting with bosses
Mere hours before hopping on the airwaves for his final show, Mills sat in on a “tense” crisis talks meeting with Beeb bosses. Sources previously stated that the BBC sacked Mills within just five days of receiving a complaint. Another source close to the corporation told the Mirror they acted “quickly and decisively”. The BBC had issued their own statement hours earlier, confirming our story that it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks leading up to Mills being fired.
It’s understood executives were forced to act after receiving compelling new information about the star’s alleged conduct. While this new information involves the same person, it is different to the claims made during that investigation, which centred on allegations of serious sexual offences.
A BBC spokesperson stated, “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, March 27.”
On Wednesday, April 1, The Mirror reported that the BBC was forced to terminate Mills’ contract after receiving compelling new information. The BBC later confirmed the Mirror’s report, a day after it emerged that they knew of information relating to the police investigation., and pledged that they were “doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”
Final Breakfast Show
On March 24, Mills presented what would turn out to be his last ever show, telling listeners during his sign-off: “I’m getting everything mixed up today.” He added, “I should probably go. I’ll try again tomorrow.” This last reference would suggest Mills either still believed he would be returning to the airwaves or else was just trying to keep things as normal as possible for listeners.
While handing over to Vernon Kay, Scott added: “Meatloaf and Cher, today on Radio 2, Jo Whiley, Sara Cox at 4[pm] tea time, Trevor Nelson through the afternoon, Jeremy Vine at 12[pm] and now, Vernon Kay. What a song to finish on.” Declaring, “I’m back tomorrow”, Mills also kept up a jovial tone as he joked about being “oiled up and hairless” during a chat with Vernon about transforming into Meatloaf and Cher.
However, the following morning, listeners began to suspect that all was not well in the Radio 2 studio when colleague Gary Davies filled in for Mills’ slot, with no warning or explanation given. Fans grew concerned when no information was given as to when Mills would be returning. The Mirror understands that Scott was informed over the weekend that his BBC contract had been terminated. It’s also understood that the BBC updated the complainant following the dismissal, and remains in contact with them.
Gasps from colleagues
On the morning of Monday, March 30, the Mirror broke news of the sudden and unexpected firing of Mills, following a complaint over “personal conduct”, shortly before his BBC colleagues were informed via email. Up until that moment, Mills’ team had been working the Breakfast Show as usual, in the dark about the announcement that would soon be discussed across the airwaves.
Staff were reportedly left “shell-shocked” by Mills’ departure, and there were “audible” gasps of astonishment at Broadcasting House as they learned one of the corporation’s top presenters had been shown the door. Director of Music, Lorna Clarke, sent the following email to Scott’s colleagues: “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.”
News of Mills’ axing led the 12pm bulletin on his BBC Radio 2. where Jeremy Vine told listeners “taken aback” by the announcement. He explained: “I had not heard anything about it until 17 minutes ago, when it was on the BBC website, and I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin, I have nothing more, that it was allegations about Scott Mills’s personal conduct, which have led to him being sacked. I have no more than that. Alright, on to today’s show.”
Public shock
In the days that followed the revelations, shockwaves reverberated throughout the UK, with many loyal Radio 2 listeners stunned by the ongoing developments. Looking ahead, the BBC will face challenges in preserving its reputational integrity, particularly given that this closely follows the Huw Edwards scandal. Indeed, as previously reported by the Mail Online, it’s believed that the new Channel 5 drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, could have prompted the accuser to come forward. A senior broadcaster asserted their belief that the Martin Clunes drama was the “spark” behind recent developments, adding that this notion is now being widely discussed among colleagues. The BBC declined to comment.
Addressing the difficult situation now faced by the broadcasting corporation, Mayah Riaz, a celebrity crisis PR expert, previously told us: “Behind closed doors, there will almost certainly be conversations happening about culture, oversight and escalation, especially with there being a new Director General starting. These moments force organisations to confront uncomfortable questions, not just about individuals but about systems. I would say that the real risk for the BBC is not the allegation itself, but it is the perception of a familiar pattern again.”
The BBC previously issued the following initial statement, when approached for comment: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.” PR guru Mayah remarked that while the BBC tends to opt for “due process over speed” while “carefully” navigating such situations, this may not be quite the right tactic in today’s fast-moving world. She reflected: “In today’s climate, silence can often be interpreted as avoidance. The audience expects clarity, not just compliance. The longer the gap between allegation and visible action, the more the narrative gets away from them.”
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Metropolitan Police read: “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 enquiries, 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.”
‘Oblivion’
Mills had previously spoken with great pride about his Radio 2 appointment, having taken over the Breakfast Show reins from Zoe Ball just last year. Now, the star is said to be “facing oblivion” as he contemplates the crumbling of his once stellar career. A pal previously told us that Mills was distraught over his dismissal, telling the Mirror: “The show was his life and he is facing oblivion. It’s hard to see how he comes back at this moment in time.” It’s understood that friends remained “totally in the dark” about the weekend sacking, with some struggling to reach him. One shared, “Everyone is worried about him.”
In a statement issued via his lawyers on the evening of March 31, Mills thanked well-wishers, telling them: :I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
He also opened up about the police investigation, adding: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this, the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.”
In the aftermath of the scandal, Mills reportedly fled the London home he shares with husband Sam Vaughan to stay with his mother in Sussex. He’s been keeping a low profile in recent days, but it’s now believed he has returned to the capital. A source claiming to have seen the star on his return told the Daily Mail: “He seemed very solemn. No one was really bothering him because it was quiet – it wasn’t rush hour. It was around 4pm. He must have been heading back from his mum’s house.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube
and Threads .
READ MORE: BBC values in full as broadcaster acts ‘in line with values’ over Scott Mills axing
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
