BBC Dismisses Scott Mills Amid Police Probe Involving Underage Victim
BBC dismisses Scott Mills after recent information indicated the alleged victim in a police probe was under 16. The 53-year-old radio presenter had his contract terminated last Friday.
Police investigation and Crown Prosecution Service decision
The Metropolitan Police opened an inquiry in December 2016. The probe related to alleged sexual offences said to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.
Officers submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service. In May 2019 the CPS concluded the evidential threshold for charges was not met, and the case was closed.
BBC awareness and action
The BBC said it knew of the police inquiry in 2017. Current executives acted only after receiving new information in recent weeks.
Corporation sources said it was unclear whether managers in 2017 knew the alleged victim’s age. The organisation nonetheless ended Mills’s contract after learning the person was under 16.
Leadership response
Outgoing director general Tim Davie said newly revealed information made the broadcaster’s decision clear. An internal discussion describing the situation was recorded and later reported.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, serving as interim chief, stressed that behavioural lines apply to all staff. He warned there are consequences when those lines are crossed.
Statement from Scott Mills and broadcasting details
Mills issued a public statement acknowledging an allegation made in 2016. He said he cooperated fully with the police and responded to inquiries in 2018.
He noted the police submitted evidence to the CPS and that prosecutors decided not to bring charges. He asked for privacy and no further public comment on the matter.
Mills presented his final Radio 2 breakfast show on Tuesday 24 March. He signed off promising to return the next day, but Gary Davies replaced him on the following program.
Mills had taken over the Radio 2 breakfast slot in 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball. Official pay records put his salary between £355,000 and £359,999.
BBC policies and internal review
The BBC said it had spoken directly with Mills before ending his contract. The corporation pointed to an independent culture review completed last year.
That review established behavioural expectations for everyone who works for the broadcaster. BBC leaders said they would take action when those standards are not met.
Key timeline
- 1997–2000: Alleged incidents reportedly took place.
- December 2016: Metropolitan Police launched an investigation.
- 2017: BBC became aware of the police inquiry.
- May 2019: CPS closed the case, citing insufficient evidence.
- 24 March (year): Mills’s last broadcast before being taken off air.
- Recent weeks: New information prompted BBC dismisses Scott Mills amid police probe involving underage victim.
This article was prepared for Filmogaz.com using verified public statements and official timelines. Filmogaz.com will update as further facts emerge.