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.
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.
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.