Top BBC radio presenter Scott Mills has left the corporation following allegations over his personal conduct, according to reports.
A BBC spokesperson 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.”
The Mirror, which broke the news, said Mills was sacked following an allegation relating to his personal conduct. It reported that Mills was taken off air last Tuesday and had his contract terminated over the weekend. Deadline has seen an email from BBC music boss Lorna Clarke informing staff and saying the decision is “sudden and unexpected.” “Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too,” she added. A Radio 2 source told us they had been “completely blindsided” by the news. Clarke’s full email can be read below.
All eyes now on who replaces Mills and how the BBC handles his shock exit. His place this morning was taken by Gary Davies, who interviewed The Pitt star Noah Wyle. He is also due to host upcoming BBC podcast Race Across the World: The Detour.
Mills took over from Zoe Ball presenting one of the BBC’s most popular shows, the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, last year. The 53-year-old, who was paid nearly £360,000 ($476,000) last year, had for nearly 20 years prior presented the Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1 and is one of the most familiar voices on BBC radio.
His sacking comes after a string of incidents involving current and former BBC stars including Gregg Wallace, Russell Brand and Huw Edwards.
Mills’ shock firing has come with just days to go until Director General Tim Davie exits the BBC. His replacement, Matt Brittin, may have to put out the fire if the scandal extends and turns into a longer-term review.
We have reached out to Mills’ agent for comment.
Clarke’s internal note in full:
“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.
Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too. I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I’m able to. While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything further now.”
Jake Kanter contributed reporting.