The BBC is going through a new media crisis after the dismissal of Radio 2 presenter, Scott Mills, as a consequence of accusations about his personal conduct related to a “historical relationship” from more than a decade ago. The decision, which has taken both listeners and colleagues by surprise, marks the end of a career of more than 25 years in the British public corporation.
Most listened to morning program of United Kingdom
Mills, 53, had become one of the most recognizable voices on British radio. After joining Radio 1 in 1998, he went through different programs and schedules until consolidating himself on Radio 2, where from January 2025 he took over the morning show left vacant by Zoe Ball. Under his direction, the slot reached 6.5 million listeners, becoming the most listened-to morning show in the United Kingdom.
However, his dismissal, announced at the end of March, occurs in a delicate context for the BBC. The network faces the final stage of Tim Davie as director-general, who had dealt with similar controversies related to media figures such as Huw Edwards and Tim Westwood. Mills' departure also represents one of the first major personnel challenges for Matt Brittin, a former Google executive who will assume the role of director-general.
"See you tomorrow"
Internal sources reveal to The Guardian that Mills was not previously informed of the BBC's decision and was bewildered. During his last program, broadcast this Monday, he said goodbye to listeners with a simple “See you tomorrow,” unaware that he would not return. The news also impacted colleagues at the station, such as Jeremy Vine, who admitted having found out only through the BBC's website.
The presenter had played a relevant role not only on radio but also in the corporation's podcasts, including Race Across the World: The Detour and Pop Top 10, alongside Rylan Clark, projects that are now on hold. His salary at the BBC was around 355,000 pounds annually, according to the corporation's 2024-25 salary report.
Mills will be temporarily replaced by Gary Davies and OJ Borg, while the BBC defines the direction of the morning show. The presenter's departure leaves open a question about the direction of the broadcaster and how the BBC will continue to manage its reputation in an increasingly demanding environment regarding the conduct of its public figures.