Scott Mills investigated by police in 2016 over alleged sexual offences involving teenage boy amid BBC firing
Following his firing from the BBC, it has emerged that Scott Mills was questioned by the police over alleged sexual relations with a teenage boy as part of a 2016 investigation.
Mills, who has hosted the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 since 2025 and had been part of the broadcasting corporation since 1998, was confirmed to have been fired by the BBC on March 30th.
In a statement, the BBC said: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC.”
Additionally, shortly before the public announcement, Lorna Clarke, director of music at the BBC, informed staff at the broadcasting corporation of Mills’ firing in an email, but did not reveal why he had departed the company.
She wrote, “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.”
The email continued, “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.”
Now, the Mirror, who also broke news of Mills being fired from the BBC, report that the DJ’s sacking is linked to a police probe from 2016, which was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson 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.”
The force continued, “These were reported to 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.”
They concluded, “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.”
Per the BBC, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the teenage boy at the centre of the allegations was under 16.
The Mirror also report that it is not known whether the BBC were aware of the investigation when it was ongoing and received a complaint regarding the allegation last week, which led to the sacking.
This week, Mills was due to begin co-hosting a new podcast for the BBC to accompany the new series of Race Across The World. He was also set to play a part in its coverage of Eurovision in 2026.
Mills is yet to comment on his firing from the BBC.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.