BBC Radio 2 presenter, Scott Mills, was questioned by police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy, but the investigation was later closed after there was not enough evidence to support charges.
The Metropolitan Police said the allegations were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000, and involved a man who was in his 40s when he was interviewed under caution.
According to the Mirror, the investigation began in 2016 and was eventually dropped in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service found there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.
On Monday, it was revealed that Mills had been dismissed by the BBC over allegations concerning his personal conduct.
However, the corporation has not provided further details and it remains unclear whether the police investigation was linked to his exit.
The BBC has been approached for comment regarding the police inquiry.
After the sacking was announced, the BBC said in a statement: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”
Mills’ final programme aired on Tuesday 24 March, with the presenter signing off by saying: “Back tomorrow.”
The following day, DJ Gary Davies opened the show by telling listeners he was “in for Scott Mills”.
The Mirror first reported news of the 53-year-old’s departure, stating that it “understands the allegation relates to a historic relationship”.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement: “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.”
Mills succeeded Zoe Ball as host of the Radio 2 breakfast show in January 2025 and had spent more than 25 years working for the BBC.
According to the corporation’s latest annual report, he earned between £355,000 and £359,999 in the 12 months leading up to April 2025, making him the BBC’s 11th highest-paid presenter.
His actual salary after moving to the breakfast show is expected to be considerably higher, with the figure likely to become clearer when the next BBC Annual Report is published later this year.
As one of the corporation’s most prominent figures, Mills’ sudden departure is another major setback for the BBC, coming just before director general Tim Davie is due to leave his post later this week.
His exit follows other controversies involving BBC personalities. News at Ten presenter Huw Edwards was convicted in 2024 of making indecent images of children, while former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood was charged in October last year with four counts of rape and nine counts of indecent assault.
He denies the allegations and is due to stand trial next year.
Mills joined Radio 2’s weekday schedule in 2022 when he replaced Steve Wright as presenter of the afternoon programme.
In 2025, he also appeared on BBC One alongside Rylan to provide commentary during the Eurovision semi-finals. His most recent television appearance came in a Traitors-themed sketch during Comic Relief.
Before joining Radio 2, Mills worked on Radio 1 after arriving at the station in 1998. He hosted Radio 1’s Official Chart between 2018 and 2022, taking over from Greg James.
He also presented a weekend programme on BBC Radio 5 Live and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
In an email sent to staff on Monday morning, Lorna Clarke, director of music at the BBC, said the sacking would “come as a shock”.
She said, “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.”
