BBC issues statement about 'new information' leading to Scott Mills sacking
The BBC have released a fresh statement regarding the sacking of Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills, following up an apology from the broadcaster regarding the incident yesterday.
Mills was investigated in 2016 by the Met Police over allegations involving a teenage boy, with the London police force confirming since that the boy in question was under the age of 16.
In a brand new statement, the BBC has confirmed that 'in recent weeks' they received new information which led to his sacking after a conversation with the celebrity DJ.
They also confirmed they were aware of the investigation into Mills as far back as 2017, which was closed due to a lack of evidence in 2019.
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The BBC's statement, issued to LADbible, reads: "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 27 March.
“The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
"Separately, 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.”
The BBC has also issued an apology regarding a separate alleged incident involving Scott Mills
The BBC apologised earlier this week after it was revealed they had been made aware of fresh allegations after a journalist contacted them about Mills.
The Telegraph reported that former BBC presenter Anna Brees raised concerns after she became aware of claims about inappropriate messages involving Mills in May 2025.
She said: "Someone who knew I used to work for the BBC volunteered some information about Scott Mills messaging someone inappropriately.
“It was a credible source and I was concerned so I decided to contact the BBC to make them aware of it and see if they came back with anything. I didn’t get a response.”
Almost a year later, the BBC has apologised for not doing more to investigate the allegations.
A spokesperson said: "We received a press query in 2025 which included limited information. This should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions.
"We apologise for this and will look into why this did not happen. More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us."
What do we know about the police investigation into Scott Mills
The Met Police have previously confirmed the investigation into a man in their 40s, which was closed in 2019.
"In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force," a spokesperson said. "The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy."
This went on to add: "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."
The allegations are believed to refer to alleged incidents 'between 1997 and 2000', when Mills would have been in his mid-20s.
Scott Mills: a timeline of his career and the allegations against him
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.
1997-2000
These are the dates the Met Police say the allegations of serious sexual offences made by a teenage boy under the age of 16 against Scott Mills refer to.
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.
2016
The Met Police opens an investigation into Scott Mills following a referral by another police force.
2018
Mills is questioned under caution by the Met Police.
2019
The case against Mills is dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service determines there is not enough evidence to bring charges.
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 marries radio exec Sam Vaughan, and later that year they win the second series of Celebrity Race Across the World.
2025
A journalist and former BBC presenter contacts the BBC press office after a source tips her off to allegations about inappropriate messages involving Mills. She never receives a response.
2026
Mills is sacked by the BBC.
Topics: BBC, TV and Film, Celebrity, UK News
Michael Slavin