Major update as BBC releases Scott Mills statement

The BBC sacked Mills on Monday

This comes after it was revealed earlier today that the BBC sacked Scott Mills after "compelling new evidence" emerged a decade after accusations were first made against the radio host, new reports have claimed.

Police said yesterday that the teenage boy in Scott Mills sexual offence investigation was under 16 at the time of the alleged offence.

It comes as police released a statement on Monday night after a sex offence probe was linked back to Scott Mills in light of his BBC sacking.

The BBC sacked the radio star on Monday, 30 March, following allegations relating to his personal conduct.

Now, the BBC has released a statement concerning the sacking of Mills and the accusations against him.

The broadcaster said: "Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.

"We also recognise there's been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.

"What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March."

The spokesperson added: "Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time."

The statement concluded that the BBC has made "a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards".

"Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met."

The Mirror first reported that Mills was sacked due to "a historic male relationship" from "more than 10 years ago".

However, Mills was later linked back to a 2016 police probe relating to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy.

He was later questioned by police on these allegations under caution in 2018.

Now, the Mail has revealed that BBC chiefs felt they had 'no choice' but to dismiss Radio 2's flagship morning show host after fresh information about his alleged conduct, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the Mirror reported BBC chiefs are said to have looked into the fresh details over recent days 'and decided he had to go'.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “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.”

Now, police have disclosed that the boy involved in the investigation was under 16 when the alleged offence occured.

Mills took over the breakfast show from Zoe Ball just last year.

The BBC 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.”

Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, said in a statement to staff: "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."

She added: "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."