Mills

Democrats have a huge opportunity to make a huge difference. But whether they’ll grab it is a huge question.

In 2020, I wrote that voters were “weary, anxious and looking for salve” after President Trump’s first term. I said then that the experienced, reassuring Joe Biden fit the moment. Now I fear that if Democrats nominate a similar presidential candidate in 2028, one who wins yet doesn’t act with alacrity on democracy preservation and helping Americans live better lives, a fed-up electorate will once again turn them out as ineffectual.

Who can or should lead the party at a time like this?

I’m not alone in hoping for a tough and confrontational 2028 nominee, someone who is aggressive, persistent and, when necessary, as ruthless as the forces on the opposite side. This person also must have the energy to undertake the mammoth task of repairing the institutional wreckage of Trumpism. Which suggests Democrats should be checking out younger nominees.

Fortunately, newer generations of leaders are emerging. Those who “get it,” in my view, include Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

Obviously any Democrat will be better than anyone from Trump’s team or orbit, including JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr. or Marco Rubio. The issue facing Democrats is whether moderate or policy wonkish people such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear or Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would be the democracy warriors this moment demands. Repairing a crucial interstate bridge with lightning speed is a great thing and, sometimes, so is outreach to Republicans and Fox News. But would they prioritize thinking big and fighting hard for the fundamental changes we need?

Where would centrist former CIA officer Abigail Spanberger, the new Virginia governor, land on this scale? Even after coming around to supporting new House maps that will net four seats for her party? Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, who began his podcast by inviting MAGA guests, championed a referendum on five new Democratic seats in his state and led his party to a redistricting triumph. Where would he land? Would he prioritize outreach to Republicans or the battle to assure a “no kings” future for America? The need for structural changes in our outdated institutions is glaringly obvious. Who will run to repair this country? Who can be trusted to follow through? Because the solutions are out there, staring us in the face:

Checks on presidential pardon power. A larger, term-limited Supreme Court bound to an enforceable ethics code. A national law requiring independent redistricting commissions or, better yet, multi-member districts with proportional representation. A voting rights law that sets minimum standards for mail voting, early voting and voter IDs. Anti-corruption laws that prevent profiteering by presidents and their allies. Explicit limits on presidential construction and alterations to federal properties. A stronger “impoundment” act with sharp teeth to make sure future presidents spend taxpayer money constitutionally, as Congress intends, instead of any way they want. D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood to start rebalancing a Congress and electoral college that have shortchanged urban America since the late 19th century.

It’s a long list, and there’s no guarantee that today’s Supreme Court would allow any of it. But realizing some of these goals will take decades; we can’t be discouraged by temporary impediments such as the current lineup of justices. The work on all of it should start ASAP — next year in the next Congress if Democrats are running one or both chambers. And at some point, we’ll have a different high court.

I can already hear the protests: What about affordability? That’s the best part: Trump has done so many things to make life more expensive that simply reversing them would have immediate impact. Stop the Iran war; reopen the Strait of Hormuz; aim to restore the Obama-era agreement that kept Iran’s nuclear ambitions in check; end the Trump tariffs; stop shrinking labor forces in agriculture, healthcare, construction and other industries by ending detentions and deportations of noncriminals; reverse last year’s tax breaks for elites and restore the money for Medicaid and health insurance premium subsidies; and kill off the Versailles-level Trump ballroom that he now wants to fund with taxpayer dollars (initially $400 million, now $1 billion).

Then Democrats could revisit some of their own affordability priorities, including the expanded child tax credit that significantly reduced child poverty, new ways to put housing within reach of more people and national paid family leave. They could also crack down on military spending that is pointless in the modern era and refocus on cheap and effective equipment such as drones like Ukraine is using to strike inside Russia.

As it happens, a stark indicator of the political tides came as I was writing this. Maine Gov. Janet Mills suddenly dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary race against Graham Platner. It was a lightning bolt, given her establishment support after being recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. But in a way it was inevitable.

Mills is 78. If she had gone on to win the primary and defeat GOP Sen. Susan Collins, she would have been sworn in at age 79. Platner is 41, an oyster farmer and military veteran with a compelling, relatable persona. Though he has a controversial past, Mills’ negative ads did nothing to dent his appeal. Polls showed him winning the primary vote against Mills, sometimes by 2 to 1, and with a consistent general-election edge against Collins as well.

Platner told Jon Stewart last week that the party leadership establishment had largely ignored him. His message to them? “You should be curious, because I’m polling 40 points ahead.” By the next morning, Mills was out, and the establishment — Schumer and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Senate campaign committee — said they’d work with Platner to flip the seat.

The midterm races are sending Democrats clues. They should take them seriously.

Jill Lawrence is a journalist and the author of “The Art of the Political Deal: How Congress Beat the Odds and Broke Through Gridlock.” Bluesky: @jilldlawrence

NEW YORK — Maine just sent a blunt message to the Democratic Party’s national leaders.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills was forced to abandon her U.S. Senate campaign last week, unable to generate sufficient fundraising or enthusiasm to compete against Graham Platner, an oyster farmer who has never served in elected office. The announcement marked a stinging defeat for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who recruited Mills to lead the party’s decades-long quest to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

The swift eclipse of a two-term governor by a political neophyte highlighted a stark reality that has begun to take hold at a pivotal moment — Democratic voters are rejecting their party’s establishment and embracing new risks, even as their confidence grows that a blue wave is coming in November’s midterm elections.

Sometimes Democratic voters seem almost as angry at their own party’s aging, entrenched leadership as they are at President Trump.

“Rank-and-file Democrats don’t want the Democratic Party as we know it,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of the Democratic resistance group Indivisible. “Rank-and-file Democrats want fighters.”

Local chapters of the group Indivisible, as well as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and other leaders from the party’s progressive wing had already lined up behind Platner, who is now almost certain to be the Democratic nominee in one of the party’s best Senate pickup opportunities in the nation.

Platner on Friday said he would continue to speak out against his party’s leadership, including Schumer (D-N.Y.), although he acknowledged that the two spoke privately the night before.

“The fact that we’ve been able to do all of this without the help of the establishment, it puts us in such an amazing position,” Platner said on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe.” “My criticisms of the party leadership, my criticisms of the party, they have not changed, and I’ve been very vocal about that since the beginning. But we will absolutely take the help that we can get.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are giddy — and some moderate Democratic strategists are worried — that the anti-establishment shift may undermine the Democratic Party’s effort to win back control of Congress in November.

“Chuck Schumer has officially lost the first battle in his proxy war with Bernie Sanders,” said Bernadette Breslin, spokesperson for the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm. “As Sanders hits the campaign trail to prop up progressives in messy Democrat primaries in Michigan and Minnesota, Schumer’s chances of getting his preferred candidates through look grim.”

Beyond Maine

Maine is far from alone.

Prominent anti-establishment clashes are playing out in high-profile Senate races in Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa, along with House races in several states.

Sanders, the country’s highest-profile democratic socialist, continues to promote Platner and other critics of the Democratic Party’s national leadership. The Vermont senator planned to campaign over the weekend in Detroit with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is running in a three-way Senate primary against Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

“There’s a desire to turn the page on the old guard,” Sanders’ political advisor Faiz Shakir said. “It’s not even just the Democratic electorate. There’s a populist mood in this country. You’d have to be blind not to see it.”

Indeed, McMorrow is actively working to remind voters that she would not support Schumer as Democrats’ Senate leader if given the chance.

“Frankly, I was the first person in this country to say no,” McMorrow said in a video she posted Thursday on social media. “It is a different moment. This is no longer a Republican Party we’re dealing with, it is a MAGA party that has been taken over by Trump loyalists. … You need to respond in a very different way.”

Veteran Democratic strategists like Lis Smith, who works with candidates across the country, tied the anti-establishment shift to the party’s painful losses in 2024, after President Biden abandoned his reelection bid and Vice President Kamala Harris went on to lose to Trump.

“After 2024, voters are sick of the gerontocracy, sick of the status quo, and Chuck Schumer has completely misread that,” Smith said.

Moderates are worried

Privately, Schumer’s allies downplay the impact of the anti-establishment backlash.

The Democratic leader’s preferred Senate picks in North Carolina, Ohio and Alaska haven’t faced the same challenges as Mills did in Maine. The four states represent the party’s most likely path to a majority in the chamber, which has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats.

Mills is the oldest of the candidates and, at 78, would have been the oldest freshman senator in history. She promised to serve one term if elected. Platner is 41.

Schumer’s team is unwilling to make any apologies for backing Mills over Platner.

“Leader Schumer’s North Star is taking back the Senate,” Schumer spokesperson Allison Biasotti said. “When no one thought a Senate majority was possible just a year ago, he made it a reality by recruiting great candidates across the country and laying out an agenda for lower costs and better lives for Americans.”

Some in the Democratic Party’s moderate wing are worried.

Matt Bennett, co-founder of the center-left group Third Way, said that Platner’s emergence in Maine “without a doubt” will make it harder for Democrats to defeat Collins in November. He warns that it could be the same elsewhere if Democratic primary voters rally behind anti-establishment candidates.

“Our message is if you would like to beat Donald Trump’s Republicans, you better nominate people who can win,” Bennett said.

Peoples writes for the Associated Press.

SCOTT Mills has been dealt with a fresh blow after his sacking from the BBC as his M3 bridge tribute has been permanently removed.

It was officially unveiled as The Scott Mills Bridge back in 2016 and a plaque was installed at Fleet Services on the M3.

His then BBC Radio 1 co-host Chris Stark and Welcome Break staff led a campaign to rename it after him.

However, after his dismissal from the BBC, the plaque has now been removed.

In official pictures obtained by The Sun, the plaque which was previously on a wall next to a set of stairs, has been taken down.

The black and silver frame previously said “The Scott Mills Bridge” alongside the Welcome Break logo and his signature.

SCOTT-FREE

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MILLS STEPS OUT

Scott Mills seen for first time since being sacked by BBC over sex probe

The Sun previously revealed that the bridge would be renamed as Welcome Break, who own the service station, want to disassociate themselves from Scott, 53, following the scandal.

A source explained last month: “It’s highly likely Welcome Break will rename the bridge in light of Scott being fired, especially given the nature of the allegations.

“It’s not a great look for them to be associated with any scandals.”

Scott was suddenly axed by the BBC with news of his sacking being made public last month.

He was last on-air as host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Tuesday, March 24, before a complaint arose.

BBC chiefs are understood to have taken swift action in sacking him thereafter.

The complaint is believed to relate to “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy.

He was questioned by police under caution in 2018 – when he was in his 40s, the Mirror reports.

The interview was related to alleged offences which took place between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped in full due to a lack of evidence.

A source close to Mills — the BBC’s 11th highest-paid star — told The Sun: “Scott was told about the allegation in a meeting with senior staff present. He was tense.

“He has completely shut down now and no one can get hold of him. No calls, no messages — nothing.

“The people who know him are blindsided by all of this and they can’t get hold of him.”

An internal message was sent around Radio 2 after Mills’ exit was made public.

It was revealed last week that Sara Cox will take over as host of BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show.

She expressed: “There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed.

“It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.

“I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on Teatime so thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests.

“I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.”

April 24 (UPI) — Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Friday vetoed a bill that would have paused artificial intelligence data center construction in the state for 18 months.

Mills said she decided to veto it because it would have potentially harmed a permitted and in progress data center expected to create hundreds of jobs, both for construction and once the center opens.

The project, a $550 million data center in Jay, Maine, is a multi-year effort to redevelop the former Androscoggin Mill, which was damaged in a 2020 boiler explosion and then closed in 2023, took with it hundreds of jobs and 22% of the town’s tax revenue.

The bill would have been the first in the country restricting or slowing the spread of large-scale data centers required for power-hungry AI systems, which have driven up the cost of both electricity and water for residents living near them, NBC News and Politico reported.

“A moratorium is appropriate given the impacts of massive data centers in other states on the environment and electricity rates,” Mills said in a press release.

“But the final version of this bill fails to allow for a specific project in the Town of Jay that enjoys strong local support from its host community and region,” she said.

There are more than 5,000 data centers in the United States — more than any country in the world — and that number has grown significantly in the last four years as artificial intelligence has become a focus the tech industry.

While many state and local leaders have started to respond to concerns among residents about the huge amounts of electricity needed to power AI data centers and the huge amounts of water needed to keep them cool, as have some members of Congress.

As states have contemplated increased regulation and scrutiny from tech and AI companies, President Donald Trump at the same time has worked to keep the cuffs of tech companies because they “must be free to innovate without cumbersome regulation,” he said in December.

“Excessive state regulation thwarts this imperative,” Trump said in an executive order meant to prevent states from creating new regulations.

Mills said she worked with Maine’s legislature to carve out an exemption for the data center in Jay but was unsuccessful, so she vetoed the law.

The development in Jay, she said, is under contract and permitted, and is expected to create 800 construction jobs, more than 100 high-paying permanent jobs and “substantial tax revenue” for the Town of Jay.

In a letter informing the legislature that she planned to veto the bill, Mills said she plans to issue an executive order to establish a council to study the impacts — real and potential — of data centers in Maine.

“I believe it necessary and important to examine and plan for the potential impacts of large-scale data centers in Maine, as the use of artificial intelligence becomes more widespread,” Mills said.

“Given the serious conversations about data centers here and around the country, I believe this work should commence without delay,” she told legislators.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, who has just landed the biggest job on the station, has been married to husband Ben Cyzer, with whom she shares two children, since 2013

Newly announced BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter Sara Cox has always been open about her home life, previously sharing a “depressing” revelation about her marriage to husband Ben Cyzer.

The broadcaster, who is set to replace Scott Mills on the nation’s biggest radio show, struck up a relationship with advertising boss Ben back in 2006, a year following the breakdown of her first marriage.

The BBC Radio 2 host tied the knot with Ben in 2013, and together they’re parents to daughter Renee and son Isaac. She’s also mum to Lola from her earlier marriage to DJ Jon Carter.

Yet Sara, aged 51, has disclosed a nightly struggle she endures with Ben. Speaking on her Teen Commandments podcast, which she co-hosts with Clare Hamilton, Sara revealed that Ben’s snoring regularly drives her to escape to another bedroom.

She explained: “This is my issue that I’ve got with Ben in the night if I wake up, just him breathing is annoying. Not during the day, I just mean any slight noises.”

“You know on a wildlife documentary when they have a shot of an animal that’s on high alert for a predator? I feel like I’ve got that heaving in the middle of the night, I can just hear the tiniest [noise]…it’s just so magnified in the middle of the night.

“I think there’s a bit of anxiety in there. I remember in my twenties if I woke up at like half one, I probably wouldn’t have been in bed at half one, but if I woke up in the middle of the night and it was like 3am, in my twenties I’d be like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got loads of time to sleep, amazing’. Now I’m 50 I go, ‘F**k, it’s three, I’m not going to sleep, I’m never going to get back to sleep again’.

“So I need to tap into that twenties energy of thinking, ‘I’ve got loads of time to sleep’.”

When questioned about managing her partner Ben’s nocturnal disturbances, Sara Cox revealed: “I nudge him, he’s really patient, he’s great about it, and then we just keep sleeping in separate rooms, which is a bit depressing.”

Sara has just revealed how “ecstatic” she feels to take the reins of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, after its former host, Scott Mills, was axed from the role last month.

“There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed,” she shared.

The star, who currently hosts Radio 2’s weekday Teatime show and will begin fronting the Breakfast Show in the summer, added: “It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.

“I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on teatime so thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests. I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.”

The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer after the corporation made the decision to dismiss the radio star last month

The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer. In yet another scandal for the public broadcaster, Scott Mills, a BBC radio favourite for decades, was axed from his role in March.

The Mirror revealed that the former BBC Radio 1 and 2 DJ was questioned in 2018 over the historical allegations of serious sexual offences, but the investigation – which began in 2016 – was closed in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

The allegations are reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. The Metropolitan Police told the Mirror that the teenage boy at the centre of the investigation was under 16.

For more than 40 years, Top of the Pops was the BBC’s major music programme that showcased the acts who were in the charts that week and gave a platform to some of the biggest names in the industry, with the likes of The Beatles, Spice Girls and Madonna amongst countless others all having performed on it over the years.

READ MORE: BBC bosses poised to offer Scott Mills Radio 2 replacement to rightful ‘heir’READ MORE: Scott Mills replacement hopefuls battling it out for his Radio 2 job

The programme, which ended in 2006, is still repeated regularly but now the The Sun has reported that the three episodes in which Scott, 53, served as host, have now been wiped from the corporation’s streaming service.

The episodes in question originally aired in 1999 and around that time, he welcomed the likes of Billie Piper, Mariah Carey and Westlife onto the show to perform their latest singles. The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

On Wednesday April 1, The Mirror revealed that the BBC was forced to terminate Mills’ contract after receiving compelling new information. The BBC then confirmed the Mirror’s report a day after it emerged that they knew of information relating to the police investigation. They pledged that they were “doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”

The Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview in 2016, was investigated over allegations reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. Today, BBC News reported that director general at the time, Tony Hall, was not aware of the allegations.

The investigation was dropped in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. As first reported by the Mirror, Mills was sacked over allegations relating to his ‘personal conduct’ after the final edition of his breakfast programme aired.

Following his dismissal, Mills issued a statement via lawyers thanking his well-wishers. He said: “I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”

On the police probe, he said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.”

He added: “Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.”

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BBC bosses are poised to offer Sara Cox the Radio 2 Breakfast Show job after Scott Mills’s sacking, insiders told The Sun. 

Sources said veteran broadcaster Sara, 51, was seen as the “heir apparent” for the role — which is widely regarded as the best job in radio. 

Mills, who had hosted the show since January 2025, was dismissed last month. 

It came after new information about a police investigation over alleged sex offences with a boy aged under 16 in 2018 came to light at the BBC. OJ Borg and Gary Davies have filled in since Mills left the station. 

Insiders said they expected Sara, who joined the BBC in 1999 as a Radio 1 DJ, to be offered the job this summer. 

A source said: “Sara is the heir apparent for the Breakfast Show job. 

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“Since Scott left, she has been the name which has been discussed as the best candidate and everyone at Radio 2 is saying she will be offered it. 

“Sara has made a huge success of her drivetime slot and is hugely popular at the station, plus she’s hosted the Breakfast Show as a stand-in before. 

“The BBC won’t be rushing this through as they want the dust to settle. But Sara is the one in line and, as far as her colleagues are concerned, she is the best person for the job.” 

Sara, who began a TV career in the 90s, featured on Radio 2 as a cover host for various shows in 2012 while still working for Radio 1.

The mum-of-three landed her first permanent Radio 2 show, hosting Sounds of the 80s on Saturday nights, the following year. 

She went on to replace Simon Mayo as the drivetime presenter in 2019 and stood in on the Breakfast Show in 2025. 

That year, she was chosen to complete a Children in Need challenge and raised over £11.5million after walking and running 135 miles in five days. 

She said of working for Radio 2: “It’s sort of my dream job.” 

SCOTT SPOTTED

By Emily-Jane Heap 

SCOTT Mills is seen for the first time since being sacked by the BBC. 

The star, who was axed as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host, was out walking walked his dog with his husband Sam Vaughan. 

Mills, 53, confirmed he was quizzed by police in 2018 following an allegation of a historical sexual offence against a boy under 16. 

The case was dropped due to a lack of evidence. 

But Mills was sacked last month after new information came to light, the BBC said. 

He was allowed to keep his job for almost a decade despite the BBC being made aware in 2017 of an ongoing probe. 

SCOTT Mills will not be performing DJ sets at Boyzone concerts this summer after being removed from the lineup.

Mills, 53, was sacked from the BBC two weeks ago following a probe into his personal conduct – seven years after a police probe into alleged sexual offences with a boy under 16 that was later dropped for lack of evidence.

The former BBC presenter had been lined up to spin the decks at Boyzone’s massive shows at the Emirates Stadium in June.

Back in February, Arsenal announced Mills would support the Irish boyband across two nights of their “Two For The Road” concerts.

But in a dramatic U-turn, the club has scrubbed any mention of Mills from its site and it is understood he will no longer appear at the North London venue.

On promotional material, Mills was quoted as saying: “What a dream to support the lads this summer, it’s going to be 2 nights of big tunes, big singalongs and plenty of 90s nostalgia. I hope you’re ready!”

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PLAQUE AXE

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Boyzone are still set to take to the stage on June 5 and 6, with pop favourites S Club and B*Witched also on the bill.

The Sun revealed last week how the BBC knew Mills had been investigated by police but chose to keep him on air.

Mills worked for Radio 1 from 1998 to 2022, when he moved to Radio 2 to host the coveted Breakfast Show.

The allegations are understood to relate to events between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his 20s.

He was quizzed by cops in 2018, after an allegation was made against him in 2016.

He was sacked on March 27 following a second probe by the BBC.

Last week the BBC launched an internal investigation into why he was allowed to stay on air.

In a statement they confirmed The Sun’s exclusive that bosses were aware Mills was being investigated by the Metropolitan Police years ago and was now trying to unravel who knew what and when.

Mills later released his own statement and said: “An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.

“As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment.”

The BBC are expected to announce Mills’ replacement for his Radio 2 Breakfast Show in the coming weeks.

It comes after the corporation removed a plaque dedicated to Mills from Radio 1’s main broadcasting studio in London.

He was honoured with the silver plaque on his final day at Radio 1 in 2022, with the 82A studio he broadcast from renamed as 82 Mills.

Insiders said the plaque, which was up in the studio, had quietly been removed over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A PLAQUE dedicating a service station bridge to shamed radio presenter Scott Mills has been removed.

It was put up in 2016 after a light-hearted campaign with his then-Radio 1 co-star Chris Stark — but a customer noticed it had gone this morning.

They said: “I had seen the stories about the bridge with Scott Mills’ name.

“I never really come to this service station but today I did and the plaque has been taken away.

“I’m not surprised really.

“The thing was right by the loos so everyone walking past could have seen it.”

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It is believed to have been taken down by Welcome Break, which manages Fleet Services on the M3.

Radio 2 breakfast show star Mills, 53, was sacked by the BBC last week.

It emerged a male he was questioned about by police in 2018 was under 16 at the time of alleged historic sex offences.

Outgoing BBC director general Tim Davie said: “We’re trying to act fairly.

“It was new information that made it very clear about the decision we had to make.”

Welcome Break declined to comment on the plaque.

Sources claim that the current senior management took swift action after finding out for the first time that Mills’ accuser was under 16

The BBC was unaware of the full extent of the police investigation into Scott Mills including the accuser’s age, sources claim. The presenter – who today broke his silence to thank his former listeners – was interviewed by police in 2018 under caution after being accused of serious sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16. Mills and his agent spoke to some senior BBC figures about the claims at the time. Mills was never charged with any crime because of a lack of evidence.

At the time, Director general Tony Hall was not aware of the “full picture” including the accuser’s age., although it’s unclear if other managers did. However after learning about the age in the last week, the newer management took swift action.

It comes as the BBC admitted yesterday they had known about the police investigation in 2017 but were “doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”

Insiders say it was also difficult for the BBC to have made their own inquiries into the investigation, and that they were “limited” in what the police would tell them. Last night Mills issued a statement via his lawyers in which he thanked well-wishers.

He said: “I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”

He also opened up about the police investigation. He said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter. The BBC had hours earlier issued their own statement, confirming our story yesterday that it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks prior to his sacking.

A BBC spokesperson said: “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 March 27.”

The BBC added that iit “made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards”, and added that it set out “behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC” and was “clear action would be taken” if they were not met last year, following an independent culture review.

Mills last hosted Radio 2’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday March 24 and signed off with “see you tomorrow”, before being replaced by Gary Davies. In an email sent to staff on Monday, Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s director of music, acknowledged the news was “sudden and unexpected, and therefore must come as a shock”. It has also been announced that children’s cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK has decided to “part ways” with Mills, who had been a patron since 2021.

A statement from the charity said: “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 gone to Mills’ team for comment.

SCOTT Mills’ “work wife” Tina Daheley has revealed the “real reason” she was missing from Radio 2 this week.

It was revealed this week that fan-favourite host Scott had been fired from his Radio 2 Breakfast Show over allegations surrounding his “personal conduct.”

The Sun understands that his contract was terminated within five days of the complaint being made.

It then came to light how Scott’s sacking was linked to a complaint about a 2016 police probe into historic “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy, with the timeline of proceedings showing the BBC took seven years to act.

Scott’s co-presenter Tina took to social media on Wednesday to admit that it’s been an “awful week” after she went “missing”.

She shared a photo of herself in bed with a cup of tea and wrote: “Good morning! Just about recovered from this awful cold/flu.

POLL OF THE DAY

Should BBC reveal what they know about Scott Mills ‘sex probe’? VOTE NOW

no trace

Scott Mills’ podcast disappears as he’s dropped by charity after Radio 2 sacking

“I’ve had for the past week (being parent to a primary school aged child is like having a subscription service to viruses!).”

Tina then revealed when she would be returning to her hosting duties.

“Good news is I’m over the worst of it and looking forward to spending two weeks with my family over the Easter hols from tomorrow after what’s been an incredibly difficult past week,” she said.

“I’ll be back on the radio Tuesday 21st April.”

It comes after Scott’s podcast was pulled by the BBC.

His Mercedes-Benz Vans Under the Bonnet: On the Road podcast has also been taken off Spotify.

The four part series created in 2025 with the Under the Bonnet report, shone the spotlight on varying issues for van drivers including everything from road conditions to mental health.

Scott has previously opened up on his own mental health battles and the podcast saw him reveal how 65 per cent of drivers had also struggled.

Yet when users search for it on Spotify, from a Google link that previously worked, a caption now states: “Couldn’t find that podcast.

“Search for something else?”

The BBC have also removed him from a Race Across The World podcast and pulled scenes he filmed for EastEnders.

Yesterday, we exclusively reported how charity Neuroblastoma UK dropped him as a patron.

Recently, we reported how Scott had been wiped from the BBC’s social media.

It comes after it was confirmed the Scott Mills Bridge at the M3 service station was now set to be re-named.

Additionally, The Sun was first to report how his Eurovision replacement is his fellow BBC Radio 2 DJ, Sara Cox.

Since 2011, he has commentated on the semi-finals, which air on BBC One on Tuesday and Thursday in the week leading up to the grand final.

• Scott Mills has been sensationally sacked by the BBC in a “tense” meeting with bosses
• The sudden axing is understood to be linked to a 2016 police probe into historical sex offences involving a teen boy
• Mills was questioned by police under caution in 2018 but the case was dropped in full due to a lack of evidence it is understood
• The race is now on to find a replacement for Mills, with fellow BBC DJ Gary Davies standing in
• And uncertainty now surrounds his future projects

In recent years, he has been joined by Rylan Clark to commentate on the shows, as well as the final live on Radio 2.

It comes after it transpired the broadcaster was questioned by police under caution in 2018 – when he was in his 40s, the Mirror reports.

The interview was related to alleged offences which took place between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped in full due to a lack of evidence.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told The Mirror: “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.”

The spokesperson said 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,” the Met said.

“Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”

The allegations, which did not result in any charges, were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.

Scott began at Radio 1 in 1998 presenting the early morning slot before earning his own breakfast show The Scott Mills Show.

Scott’s pals have also claimed they “can’t reach him” amid the “teen boy sex probe”.

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”

SCOTT Mills was first investigated over sex offences against a teenage boy seven years ago – but only now the BBC has acted.

In a sensational move the BBC pulled Mills off air last Tuesday – with it emerging days later that the axing was linked to a complaint about the 2018 probe into the 53-year-old.

Mills was questioned over allegations of “serious sexual offences” against a boy who police confirmed was under 16 at the time of the allegations.

The case – said to have taken place between 1997 and 2000 – was later dropped in full due to a lack of evidence.

Last night we revealed that BBC bosses had known Mills was being investigated in 2018, Mills informed the corporation but denied the allegations.

And, in March that year The Sun on Sunday revealed how a probe was being carried out into an unnamed radio presenter.

DARK DAYS

Scott Mills’ troubled Radio 1 years that saw star go on-air drunk after tragedy

SCOTT SHOCK

Teen boy at centre of Scott Mills ‘sex offences’ probe was under 16, cops say

Officials decided to keep Mills on air for seven years after he informed them of the investigation before suddenly dismissing him on Monday.

It was only after a complaint was made regarding the police probe that Beeb bosses gave Mills the boot.

Mills’ £360,000 a year contract was terminated within five days of the complaint being made.

But the BBC has since apologised for not taking action on an allegation against Scott Mills raised last year. So, as the scandal unfolds, here is what was known and when.

1997 – 2000

The alleged “serious sexual offences” against a boy under 16 take place with Scott Mills joining the BBC in 1988.

Mills initially joined the corporation as a presenter on BBC Radio 1, presenting the early morning slot before earning his own namesake programme The Scott Mills Show.

December 2016

The Metropolitan Police launch a probe into allegations regarding Scott Mills.

The investigation, which related to allegations of serious sexual offences, followed a referral from another police force.

July 2018

Mills is questioned by police under caution about historical sexual offences against a teenage boy.

The former BBC Radio 2 star told the corporation about the investigation and denied the allegations.

May 2019

After it was decided there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges against Mills the investigation is closed.

The case was dropped in full.

October 2022

Mills moved from BBC Radio 1 and joined BBC Radio 2, taking over the coveted afternoon slot from Steve Wright.

January 2025

Mills then moves on to take over the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, where he would stay until he was dismissed.

The former presenter took over after Zoe Ball stepped down — calling the role his “dream job”.

March 24, 2026

Mills signs off his show with “see you tomorrow” with his slot taken over the next day by Gary Davies.

Davies would continue to fill in for Scott after being named as the interim breakfast show host.

March 25, 2026

A BBC investigation is launched following a complaint regarding Scott Mills and the historic police probe.

March 30, 2026

In a sensational story, it is announced Mills had been sacked by the Beeb.

BBC Director of Music Lorna Clarke circulates an internal letter to staff informing them of the sacking.

March 31, 2026

The Metropolitan Police confirm that the teen boy at the centre of the allegations was under 16 years old at the time of the alleged offences.

April 1, 2026

The Sun reveals that the BBC was aware of the investigation as far back as 2018.

We revealed how Mills told the corporation in 2018 but was kept on air for another 7 years before suddenly being fired.

BBC bosses were tonight urged to say why they kept Scott Mills on air while he was probed for sex offences with a boy under 16, only to fire him seven years later.

The Beeb also remain tight-lipped over what changed since their original decision not to act — knowing the star, 53, had been quizzed under caution between 2018 and 2019.

The allegations are reported to relate to events between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his 20s.

At the weekend, he was sacked as the £360,000-a-year host of Radio 2’s Breakfast Show following a second probe.

Broadcasters and MPs demanded answers over the latest of multiple scandals to rock the corporation in recent years.

TV presenter Piers Morgan said: “I don’t understand. He was investigated by police 10yrs ago over alleged offences 25+ years ago, but no action was taken and case was closed.

all change

Scott Mills Bridge at M3 service station ‘set to be renamed’ after BBC sacking

JANE MOORE

Scott Mills was dropped like a hot cake – but what evidence does Beeb have?

“Now he gets instantly fired over same thing? The BBC needs to explain why, surely?”

Insiders have claimed the BBC moved swiftly over Mills following criticism they were slow to act over shamed newsreader Huw Edwards.

Discussing the cases yesterday Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine said: “There is a thought here they decided to treat Scott how they wish they’d treated Huw. Which would be a bit unfair would it not?

“Regarding the inconsistency here, we were told Huw Edwards couldn’t be sacked because he was in a fragile mental state, everything I have read about Scott’s history today goes back to his own anxiety and depression and everything else but there doesn’t seem to be the same break cut for him.”

Tory Shadow Crime Minister Matt Vickers told The Sun: “This pattern of failure by the BBC is letting the public down whilst the institution continues to protect its own ­reputation over addressing serious internal concerns.

“Time and again, the public are asked to place their trust in an institution that too often seems unwilling to come clean when it matters most.

“For a broadcaster funded by the public and serving audiences of all ages, any failure to act on safeguarding concerns is unacceptable.”

Mills joined Radio 1 in 1998. Allegations about him were first reported to Hampshire Police by a third party in 2012.

The force logged the details and later passed on information to the Met’s Operation Winter Key.

In December 2016 Winter Key cops launched an investigation.

At that time, Mills was the Drivetime DJ for Radio 1 and hosted the Official Chart Show, which has a target age range of 15-plus.

Mills was interviewed under caution in July 2018 and denied the claims against him.

In March that year The Sun on Sunday revealed how an investigation was being carried out into an unnamed radio presenter.

A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which ruled there was insufficient evidence to charge. The investigation was then closed in May 2019.

BBC bosses, including Ben Cooper, the then-controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, chose not to take Mills off air despite the investigation.

A source said: “The BBC knew Scott had been questioned by police, he told them.

“Scott said he denied the allegations that had been made against him. Ben stood by Scott and allowed him to continue working while the police investigated.

“Given how serious the complaint was, it raises questions about why the BBC decided to keep him on air on Radio 1 — whose target audience is teenagers — rather than removing him while the police continued the investigation.”

Mr Cooper left his position as the controller of Radio 1 in 2020 after nine years.

Yesterday the Met issued a new statement and confirmed: “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 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 Sun understands the BBC launched its latest probe after the complaint was raised with the corporation again.

A source said: “The BBC’s second probe into this saw them speaking to Scott, as well as individuals with knowledge of Scott’s dealings with the police in 2018.

“Whatever they discovered this time around clearly was treated more seriously, or given more credence than when it was first discussed with Scott in 2018, as this time they decided to sack him.”

Insiders at the BBC also pointed to Channel 5’s documentary, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, as a possible reason for the complainant to contact the BBC.

The 90-minute film, screened last week, saw Martin Clunes take on the role of convicted paedophile Edwards, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to three counts of making indecent images of children.

It came after The Sun revealed Edwards paid a teenager thousands of pounds for explicit images.

The source added: “With the timing of the Huw film it makes sense why the person at the centre of the original (Mills) complaint may have decided to speak to the BBC again.

“Many in the BBC are saying the timing doesn’t feel like a coincidence.

“The drama showed actions do have consequences.” Separately, The Telegraph reported former BBC presenter Anna Brees contacted the Beeb in May 2025 to say she had received information about alleged “inappropriate communications” involving Mills.

She also asked whether the BBC had ever received any “formal or informal complaints” about Mills “relating to safeguarding, inappropriate conduct or harassment” and whether it had ever conducted an internal investigation into him.

She did not receive a response. The BBC admitted her information “should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions”.

There is no suggestion the inquiries by Ms Brees related to the same alleged victim whose complaint to the police led to Mills being questioned in 2018.

BBC bosses were left with “no choice” but to sack Mills after being passed compelling new information, it was claimed last night.

The Mirror reported the fresh details are different to the claims probed by police in 2016 but relate to the same complainant.

Mills, who is married to Sam Vaughan and lives in London, is understood not to have spoken to colleagues or pals since being axed.

The BBC have removed him from a Race Across The World podcast and pulled scenes he filmed for EastEnders.

Yesterday charity Neuroblastoma UK dropped him as a patron. Dermot O’Leary who hosts the Saturday morning Breakfast Show, said yesterday: “This was a shock to everyone. It came from nowhere.”

Gary Davies is sitting in for Mills today and tomorrow before OJ Borg takes on the Breakfast Show on Bank Holiday Friday and Monday.

Insiders said the BBC were now discussing who would take over the Breakfast Show – which in the latest round of Rajar figures in February revealed Mills had 6.5million listeners.

THE BBC was today plunged into a fresh crisis after Radio 2 breakfast DJ Scott Mills was sacked over allegations about his personal conduct. 

The 53-year-old — who earned more than £350,000 a year — had his contract terminated after a complaint was made, understood to relate to a historical relationship. 

He was called in for a meeting after his show last Tuesday — the same day a Channel 5 drama about the conduct of axed BBC newsreader Huw Edwards was screened. 

A source said: “Scott was taken off air the following day and his ­contract was terminated at the weekend.” BBC staff were left stunned as the news broke yesterday. 

News of his sudden sacking yesterday left BBC colleagues gasping in shock, one revealed. 

Even star pals were blindsided by the announcement that the host had been given the elbow. 

SCOTT AXED

Why was Scott Mills sacked from Radio 2? What we know so far

‘SUDDEN’ SACKING

BBC Radio 2 star Scott Mills sacked over ‘historic male relationship’

And sources said friends’ immediate attempts to contact Mills all ended in failure. 

The Sun understands an allegation made against the Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter relates to a relationship dating back more than a decade — and that his contract was terminated within five days of the complaint being made. 

BBC news correspondent Sima Kotecha said: “We heard gasps in the newsroom when people realised that he had been sacked. 

“We don’t know why he’s been sacked but we do know that it will surely be unwelcome news. 

“The fact that the bosses had to do this means there must be something potentially very significant here to let one of their big names go. As I said, this is a huge name in the BBC.”  

A source explained: “An allegation was made against Scott last Tuesday and he was called in for a meeting. 

“He was taken off air from Radio 2 the following day and his contract was terminated at the weekend. 

“It was a very fast process between the complaint being raised and Scott leaving. It happened in less than five days.” 

A source close to Mills — the BBC’s 11th highest-paid star — said: “Scott was told about the allegation in a meeting with senior staff present. He was tense. 

“He has completely shut down now and no one can get hold of him. No calls, no messages — nothing. 

“The people who know him are blindsided by all of this and they can’t get hold of him.”  

An internal message was sent around Radio 2 after Mills’ exit was made public. 

Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s Director of Music, 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. 

“Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too.”  

Rhodri-Talfan Davies, the BBC’s Acting Director- General, sent out a company-wide email saying: “I hope you all understand that we are not able to share any more information.”

Referencing the shock of BBC staffers and Scott’s listeners, he praised the team working on Radio 2 and said: “I just want to recognise the pressure this puts on them, many of whom have worked with Scott for many years.”  

In an official statement, the BBC said only: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can ­confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC.”  

The news of his axing over the “historical relationship” led the BBC’s own bulletins. 

Jeremy Vine, who hosts the afternoon slot on Radio 2, said as he started his show: “Obviously, I was taken aback by that opening story to the news. 

“I hadn’t heard anything about it until 17 minutes ago, when it was on the BBC website, and I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin. 

“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. All right, on to today’s show . . .”  

The “historical” nature of the relationship will lead to questions over what the BBC knew, if anything, at the time. 

Mills — who married boyfriend Sam Vaughan in July 2024 shortly before they won BBC’s Celebrity Race Across The World — was taken off air from Wednesday last week.

Gary Davies stepped in to host the Breakfast show and will remain on air until Thursday, with OJ Borg working on Bank Holiday Friday and Monday. 

Insiders said staff working at BBC Radio 2 were originally told Mills was having time off for “personal reasons”. 

His last social media post was made last Tuesday, where he shared a clip of an interview he did with former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson the week prior. 

A source said: “Scott was taken off air from Radio 2 on Wednesday. He clearly had no idea it was coming as at the end of his show on Tuesday, he told Vernon Kay, who hosts the next slot, ‘See you tomorrow.’ 

“When he wasn’t at work the next day, people working at Radio 2 and other stations were led to believe he was having time off for personal reasons. No one asked many questions. 

“Now it’s come out, everyone who works at Radio 2, and in the wider BBC, are in utter shock.” 

They added: “The BBC did not issue a company-wide press release and just shared the news with the radio staff. 

“People who worked for the BBC outside of the radio service were reading about Scott on news websites. The shock around Broadcasting House in London was palpable.” 

Kay, 51, has emerged as the favourite to replace Mills full time. 

FAVOURITE FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS

By Howell Davies 

SCOTT Mills became one of the BBC’s most popular presenters after nearly three decades with the corporation. 

He was obsessed with radio while growing up around Eastleigh, Hants, joining a hospital radio station aged 12 and later working for regional stations. 

After several rejections from the Beeb, he joined Radio 1 in 1998 as cover for the early breakfast slot — and was a regular on the Top of the Pops by 1999.  

But he struggled with anxiety and depression, and his drinking spiralled after his boyfriend Mitch died in 2000. 

It almost cost him his job when he turned up for his 4am show audibly drunk following the Brit Awards. 

He said: “They could have just fired me and quite rightly so.” But he was given another chance, and now says he rarely drinks. 

In 2004, he joined the station’s daytime line-up and became renowned for signing off calls with “Love you, bye”.  

He also came up with Innuendo Bingo, where players try to not spit out water as they hear euphemisms. 

In 2022, Scott jumped ship to Radio 2 to replace Steve Wright in the afternoon slot, and eventually won the coveted breakfast slot after Zoe Ball’s exit in January 2025. At the time, he told The Sun: “I’ve worked for this my whole life.” 

The allegation made against Mills appears to relate to a time when he was working for Radio 1. 

He joined the station in 1998 on its Early Breakfast Show. His profile was boosted when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, paired with pro dancer Joanne Clifton.  

In November 2024 it was announced he would replace Zoe Ball on Radio 2’s flagship Breakfast Show — and he started what he called his “dream job” the ­following January. 

The drama plunges the BBC into a fresh crisis following the dismissals of other stars including Huw Edwards, plus John Torode and Gregg Wallace. 

The day Mills was called to the meeting was the same day a Channel 5 drama about the conduct of Edwards was screened. 

Martin Clunes starred in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, telling how The Sun helped expose his double life.

The former news anchor dodged a jail sentence in September 2024 after he pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. 

The previous July, The Sun revealed a top BBC presenter had been accused of paying a teen £35,000 in return for sordid images. Edwards was later named by his wife Vicky Flint as the ­presenter in question. 

In July last year MasterChef hosts Wallace and Torode were both sacked after an investigation into their conduct.  

The probe had been launched at the beginning of 2025. 

Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the corporation had “lessons we can learn,” after the scandal unfolded under his watch. Former Google boss Matt Brittin will take over the Director-General role on May 18. 

Mills’s sacking from the BBC means he will no longer be involved in the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage. 

He has previously commentated on the competition’s semi-final and hosts Radio 2’s coverage. 

Earlier this month Mills was also announced as the new host of a podcast based on the BBC’s hit show Race Across The World. 

Scott’s sacking also creates a headache for EastEnders as his voice appeared in a flash-forward scene on New Year’s Day, set a year in the future. 

A representative for Scott was contacted for comment. 

TIMELINE OF SCANDALS

THE BBC has had a number of scandals involving top stars in recent years. 

2023: The Sun reveals serious allegations against Strictly pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima — with both sacked in 2024.  

AUGUST 2024: One Show host and Match Of The Day pundit Jermaine Jenas was sacked following complaints of indecent behaviour.  

SEPTEMBER 2024: Former News At Ten anchor Huw Edwards dodged jail after he admitted three counts of making indecent images of children. 

JULY 2025: Masterchef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were both fired over inappropriate behaviour. 

SCOTT Mills has been a staple on our screens and radios for decades, bringing audiences the breakfast shows on Radio 1 and 2 over the years.

But on March 30, 2026, the Dj was axed by the BBC over reported allegations about his “personal conduct”.

The BBC 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.”

As reported by the Mirror, Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC, confirmed the sacking in a statement to staff.

It read: “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.”

Who is Scott Mills?

Scott Mills is a radio presenter from Eastleigh, Hampshire.

He began his career at the age of 16 as a host of his local radio station Power FM.

He was given the graveyard slot (1am-6am) on the station and became the youngest permanent presenter on mainstream commercial radio.

Scott later went on to work at GWR FM Bristol, Piccadilly Key 103 in Manchester and Heart 106.2 in London before becoming a national radio star.

Scott joined Radio 1 in 1998 as a presenter for the early breakfast show between 4am-7am.

In July 2005 he shifted to an early-evening weekday slot while covering for Sara Cox who was on maternity leave.

Sara decided to not return so the slot became The Scott Mills’ Show from 1pm-4pm, Monday to Friday.

When did Scott Mills join BBC Radio 2?

It was announced on July 1, 2022 that Scott was set to join Radio 2.

His show, which ran from 2-4pm, began on 31 October of that year.

The show replaced Steve Wright in the Afternoon which ended in September 2022.

He later took over the Radio 2 breakfast show on January 27, 2025.

When he announced he was leaving Radio 1, Scott said: “Time actually does fly when you’re having fun, and that’s certainly been the case over the past 24 years at my beloved Radio 1.

“The station I pretended to be on in my bedroom from the age of six.

“The station I told my mum I wanted to work at, but never in a million years thought I would.”

What else has Scott Mills presented?

Scott has also appeared on a number of TV Shows.

From 2006-2007 he appeared as a reporter Paul Lang in the medical soap Casualty.

He has also been a contestant on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Supermarket Sweep, Mastermind and Most Haunted.

In 2009 Scott Mills: The Musical played for three nights at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

In 2010 he did another fringe show The Bjorn Identity which was The Bourne Identity to the music of ABBA.

He’s also commentated on Eurovision since 2011.

Is Scott Mills married?

Scott is married to his husband Sam Vaughan.

The pair started dating in 2017 before getting engaged in 2021.

in June 2024, the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Barcelona.