Scott Mills dropped by Neuroblastoma UK charity as patron after Radio 2 sacking

Scott Mills has been dropped as a patron by cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK. This comes after Mills was axed from BBC Radio 2 over the weekend.

Mills is no longer a patron for the charity, which aims to fund research into more effective treatments for children diagnosed with the cancer. His patron bio has vanished from Neuroblastoma UK’s website.

A spokesperson told The Mirror: “Following his dismissal from the BBC, Neuroblastoma UK have taken the decision to part ways with Scott Mills, and he is no longer a Patron of our charity. We have communicated this decision to Scott and his team, and would like to thank him for his support to date. We remain unwavering in our mission to fund research to find better treatments, and a cure, for neuroblastoma.”

The former BBC radio host first supported Neuroblastoma UK after a friend’s daughter was diagnosed with this aggressive cancer. Scott helped the charity to raise awareness of neuroblastoma and champion the work of Neuroblastoma UK to raise vital funds.

At the time, he said: “I’m really looking forward to working closely with Neuroblastoma UK to raise awareness of this cruel cancer and hopefully raise lots of money to help save more young lives.”

Mills was taken off air from BBC Radio 2 after his broadcast on 24 March and was replaced by Gary Davies. This was due to allegations concerning ‘personal conduct’, as announced days later. Now, the extent of the claims has emerged, with the Met Police investigating in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences which took place between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped at the time because of a lack of evidence. It’s not known if the BBC were aware of the investigation at the time. A Met Police spokesperson told us on Monday: “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.”

Sources have said the BBC acted “quickly and decisively” last week following a complaint. Since Scott was fired, the license payer-funded corporation has remained in contact with the complainant. Mills has remained silent since the Mirror first reported that he had been fired. BBC staff said they were “shell-shocked” and there were “audible” gasps in the BBC studios when our story was published.

The BBC’s director of Music, Lorna Clarke, sent an email to staff informing them that Mills would not be returning to work. She told staff: “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.”

Meanwhile, the BBC said in a statement: “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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