The BBC has confirmed that longtime presenter Scott Mills is no longer employed by the corporation, following concerns related to his personal conduct.
In a brief statement, the BBC said it does not comment on individual cases but confirmed that Mills “is no longer contracted and has left the BBC.”
The development comes as a shock to both colleagues and listeners, particularly given Mills’ recent appointment as host of the highly competitive Radio 2 breakfast show. He had only stepped into the role in January 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball.
Sudden Exit Raises Questions
According to internal communication shared with staff, BBC Director of Music Lorna Clarke described the news as “sudden and unexpected.”
She acknowledged the deep professional ties Mills had built across multiple BBC platforms over the years, including Radio 1, Radio 2, 5 Live, and television.
Clarke also noted that the decision would likely surprise loyal listeners of the breakfast programme, adding that further updates regarding the show’s future lineup would be provided in due course.
However, she declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding Mills’ departure.
Timeline Leading to Departure
Reports indicate that Mills was taken off air last week while the BBC reviewed the situation. Sources suggest that a final decision to terminate his contract was made over the weekend.
Before his exit, Mills was among the BBC’s higher-paid presenters, earning between £355,000 and £359,999 annually, according to the corporation’s 2024–25 salary disclosures.
A Long-Standing Career at the BBC
Mills’ broadcasting journey with the BBC began in 1998 when he joined Radio 1 as an early breakfast presenter. Over time, he rose through the ranks, becoming a familiar voice to millions of listeners.
In 2005, he secured a more prominent weekday slot after covering for Sara Cox during her maternity leave. When Cox chose not to return, Mills was confirmed as the permanent host, marking a significant step in his career.
He later transitioned across multiple BBC stations, eventually landing at Radio 2, where he replaced Steve Wright in the afternoon slot in 2022 before moving to the flagship breakfast show.
What Happens Next?
The BBC has yet to announce who will permanently replace Mills on the breakfast programme or provide additional details about the situation.
For now, the broadcaster appears focused on stabilizing its schedule while managing internal and public reaction to the unexpected exit.
