Jeremy Vine admited that he was caught off guard by news of Scott Mills' sacking by the BBC.
The long-time radio host has been axed after allegations rose around his 'personal conduct', as the broadcaster released a statement announcing that he no longer works for them.
They 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."
The Mirror reports that the allegation relates to a historic relationship which dates back more than 10 years.
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Mills' sacking came as a shock to many, especially given that he has been working across the broadcaster's radio stations since the 1990s, and had officially taken over Radio 2's breakfast show from Zoe Ball in January this year.
Vine admitted on his lunchtime radio show that he learned of the news around Mills mere minutes before hitting the air.
Mills, who brought in an average of 6.5 million listeners on the UK's most listened to breakfast show according to BBC data, was one of the most recognisable names at the broadcaster before his sacking.
Speaking on his show, Vine said: “Obviously, I was taken aback by that opening story to the news.
“I had not heard anything about it until 17 minutes ago, when it was on the BBC website. I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin.”
The Brit went on: “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.”
Mills had signed off his final show last Tuesday saying 'see you tomorrow', though BBC DJ Gary Davies instead hosted the following show, explaining that he was 'in for Scott Mills'.
Sources report that the 53-year-old was told the bad news at the weekend that his contract had been terminated.
The publication added that a statement from Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC, was sent to staff which confirmed Mills' fate.
The statement 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.”
It's believed that Mills was one of the highest paid names at the BBC, with a salary between £355,000 and £359,999 in 2024/2025, up £35k-£45k from the previous year.
This meant that he was the 11th highest paid star at the BBC, behind the likes of Gary Lineker, Zoe Ball and Alan Shearer.
Scott Mills career timeline
Early 1990s
Aged 16, Mills barrages his local radio station Power FM with demos, who eventually offer him a presenting slot in the 1am to 6am graveyard shift.
He becomes the youngest mainstream radio presenter in the UK. Jobs at Bristol’s GWR FM, Manchester’s Piccadilly Key 103 and London’s Heart 106.2 soon follow.
1998
Mills joins the BBC, originally broadcasting from 4am to 7am on Radio 1.
2004
After filling in for Sara Cox on maternity leave, he eventually lands his own primetime early evening slot, headlining The Scott Mills Show for the next 18 years.
2011
Mills fronts BBC Three documentary The World's Worst Place To Be Gay?, confronting homophobic preachers and local healers in Uganda.
2014
Mills competes in season 12 of Strictly Come Dancing, and was the fifth to be eliminated.
2022
Mills moves to BBC Radio 2 to replace Steve Wright on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. He later replaces Zoe Ball on the breakfast show.
2024
Mills and his husband Sam Vaughan win the second series of Celebrity Race Across the World.
Joshua Nair