‘THEY THINK THEY CAN JUST ERASE ME? WATCH THIS.’ — Scott Mills is said to have exploded behind the scenes as his BBC Radio 2 replacement was officially unveiled, triggering a tidal wave of backlash from stunned fans who are calling the move ‘brutal’ and ‘disrespectful.’ After nearly three decades of loyalty, the shock decision has left listeners reeling, with many accusing the BBC of a cold, calculated shake-up that ‘throws legends aside like they meant nothing.’ Insiders whisper the atmosphere inside Broadcasting House turned tense overnight — and Mills didn’t stay quiet. “You don’t rewrite history and expect people not to notice,” he reportedly snapped. But as anger spreads and questions grow louder, one thing is becoming painfully clear — this isn’t just a replacement… it’s a fallout, and the real damage is only just beginning

The former BBC Radio 2 host was dismissed from his roles at the BBC on Friday, following new information coming to light

man in suit on red carpet © Getty Images

As well as hosting BBC Radio 2, Scott was due to present the Race Across the World: The Detour podcast, after winning the celebrity version of the programme with his husband, Sam Vaughn.

On Thursday morning, in a last-minute change, it was announced by the BBC that Scott’s role will now be filled by Kiss Radio presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Tyler West, with the video podcast kicking off on 2 April.

Tyler West with his arm around Molly Rainford© WireImage
Tyler West is going to be taking on the role

The BBC said in a press release: “Broadcaster, DJ and Celebrity Race Across the World contestant Tyler West will host the new video podcast Race Across the World: The Detour. The podcast will also feature series four winner Alfie Watts, sharing his top travel tips and hacks.

“Race Across the World: The Detour will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds immediately after the new series airs. The weekly video podcast will be the TV show’s younger, wilder sibling, charting the ups and downs of the new series.”

Scott Mills and Sam on Celebrity Race Across the World© Studio Lambert/Hans Georg/BBC
Scott and Sam won Celebrity Race Across the World in 2024

It has not been confirmed who will be taking over Scott’s Radio 2 slot.

Why was Scott sacked?

The news came shortly after it was revealed why Scott was sacked from the BBC on Friday, despite the broadcasting giant being aware of a historical police investigation from 2017.

The BBC has confirmed it knew about the police investigation into Mills in 2017, but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks before his sacking.

Scott Mills© BBC/Owen Scurfield
Scott Mills replace Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 in January

BBC News reported current management only became aware in recent weeks that the person was under 16 and took action.

It is not clear if BBC managers at the time of the investigation in 2017, when Mills was working at youth station Radio 1, knew the age. The police investigation was closed in 2019 after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Scott’s response

In his first public statement since news broke of his sacking on Monday, Mills said he had co-operated fully with the investigation, adding he has been the subject of “rumour and speculation”.

He said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation.

“In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.

Scott continued: “As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.

“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”