Scott Mills snubbed in tense BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show return after sacking

Gary Davies replaced Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show following the news Mills had been sacked by the organisation following a 2016 police investigation into “serious sexual offences

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Scott Mills is no longer at the BBC(Image: PA)

Scott Mills’ sudden sacking from his dream job at BBC Radio 2 has left loyal listeners stunned and colleagues ‘shellshocked.’ But the corporation is already attempting to move on from the scandal.

Last week, Gary Davies attempted to subtly take over the Breakfast Show when he stepped into the hotseat with no mention of his predecessor’s permanent departure. Today millions of loyal listeners tuned into the show in what marks the first day since news of Mills’ exit was published by the Mirror. But there was no mention of the former presenter as Davies got the show under way.

“Good morning. How are you?,” the host began. “Tuesday 31st March. It’s Gary here for the next three hours” the veteran presenter said breezily into the microphone before hitting play on his first song.

“How’s your Tuesday morning?,” he then followed up when the song finished. “What have you already accomplished this morning?,” he then said before introducing the next tune by Clean Bandit as listeners eagerly awaited any acknowledgement of Mills.

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Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Owen Scurfield)

There was even talk about Eurovision – something Mills was very involved with. But still, Davies avoided any mention of the former host.

Last night the Mirror revealed the BBC’s decision to sack Mills relates to a 2016 police investigation into “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy.

Mills was questioned by police under caution but the case was dropped because of a lack of evidence. However the Mirror understands the sacking relates to this individual.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on Tuesday: “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 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.”

The Mirror broke news of the Mills’ sacking on Monday as the staff at BBC were informed by email. They were left “shell-shocked” by Mills’ departure.

The BBC also said in a public 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.”

News of Mills’ axing left Jeremy Vine stunned. At the start of his show, he admitted was “taken aback” by the news. He said: “Obviously, I was taken aback by that opening story to the news. I had not heard anything about it until 17 minutes ago, when it was on the BBC website, and I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin, I have nothing more, that it was allegations about Scott Mills’s personal conduct, which have led to him being sacked. I have no more than that. Alright, on to today’s show.”

While some fans of Mills were left devastated by his sacking before details emerged, it appears Gary had fans online for his new segment too. One Twitter/X user wrote as his show got under way: “#Radio2 #GaryDavies getting his own jingles Oooooo Gary Davies…. We’re back in the 80’s,” with a love heart emoji.