BBC presenter Jeremy Vine reacted to the shock sacking of his former colleague Scott Mills live on air as the news broke this morning. News of the BBC Radio 2 host’s sudden removal from its breakfast show led the 12pm bulletin on the station, catching Vine off guard as he hosted the lunchtime programme.
He told listeners: “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. I only had the information that was given to you in the bulletin, I have nothing more, that it was allegations about Scott Mills’ personal conduct, which have led to him being sacked. I have no more on that. Alright, on to today’s show.”
The BBC confirmed that Mills, 53, has been sacked over allegations relating to his personal conduct earlier today.
A spokesperson 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.”
Mills, who took over the breakfast show from Zoe Ball last year, was last on air on Tuesday, with veteran DJ Gary Davies replacing him from Wednesday onwards.
As he handed over on what was to become his final show, Mills joked about waxing his legs and doing Stars In Their Eyes with fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay, before signing off with: “See you tomorrow.”
Davies did not address the reason for Mills’ absence when he began Wednesday’s show, telling listeners: “Morning, Gary in for Scott.”
In an email sent to staff, Lorna Clarke, director of music, 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. 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.”