Picture: Scott and his husband Sam Vaughan
LONDON - Scott Mills, one of the most recognisable voices on British radio and a prominent gay media figure, has been abruptly dismissed by the BBC. The broadcaster confirmed his contract was terminated following an allegation related to his "personal conduct."
The 53-year-old presenter, who hosts the flagship afternoon show on BBC Radio 2, was reportedly taken off the air last Tuesday while the corporation investigated the matter. According to sources cited by UK newspaper The Mirror, Mills was informed of his dismissal over the weekend.
In a brief statement, 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.” No further details regarding the nature of the allegation have been made public.
Staff Reportedly 'Shell-Shocked'
The news was communicated to BBC staff on Monday morning in an internal memo from Lorna Clarke, the Director of Music. In the message, she acknowledged the surprise the decision would cause.
"I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock," Clarke wrote. "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."
She added that the news would also be a shock to the audience and that plans for the future of the show would be announced in due course.
A Long and Public Career
Mills has been a fixture at the BBC for over two decades, starting his career on Radio 1 in the late 1990s before moving to the more mainstream Radio 2 in 2022. He took over the high-profile afternoon slot from veteran presenter Steve Wright and was widely seen as a key part of the station's future.
Beyond radio, Mills is a familiar face to many across Europe for his role as a semi-final commentator for the BBC's Eurovision Song Contest coverage. He has also participated in popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2024, Mills and his husband, Sam Vaughan, won the celebrity edition of the reality competition Race Around the World. His public profile and long-term relationship have made him one of the UK's most visible gay media personalities.
The dismissal comes in stark contrast to recent interviews where Mills described himself as being the "happiest I've ever been in my life," following his marriage and landing a major role at Radio 2.
