Jeremy Vine awkwardly addresses Scott Mills axe moments into BBC Radio 2 show as he shares blindsided reaction

On Monday, Jeremy Vine was forced to address the news that his former colleague Scott Mills had been dismissed from the BBC live on air, just minutes after learning of the news himself.

Mr Mills was dismissed following allegations concerning his personal conduct, the corporation confirmed.

The 53-year-old broadcaster, who assumed control of BBC Radio 2's flagship breakfast programme from Zoe Ball in January 2025, is no longer employed by the public service broadcaster after nearly three decades.

A BBC spokesperson stated: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC."

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Lorna Clarke, the BBC's Director of Music, broke the news to colleagues on Monday morning in an internal communication.

Her message read: "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."

Ms Clarke acknowledged the presenter's extensive tenure across the organisation, noting that numerous staff members had collaborated with him over many years on programmes spanning Radio 1, Radio 5 Live, Radio 2, and television.

She added that she wished to inform colleagues "at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Mills is yet to publicly address his sacking. GB News has contacted his representatives for comment.

One familiar face who has addressed Mr Mills' exit, however, is the aforementioned Mr Vine, who returned to the airwaves on Monday to front his Radio 2 daytime show.

And at the start of his show, Mr Vine admitted he was “taken aback” by the news about Mr Mills after only learning of it shortly before he went on air.

He said: “Obviously, I was taken aback by that opening story to the news.

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"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’ personal conduct, which have led to him being sacked.

"I have no more than that. All right, on to today’s show."

Mr Mills was last on air on Tuesday, with veteran DJ Gary Davies replacing him from Wednesday onwards.

Mr Mills began his BBC career in 1998 when he joined Radio 1 as an early breakfast presenter.

His profile grew substantially in 2005 when he stepped into Sara Cox's early-evening weekday programme during her maternity leave, subsequently retaining the slot permanently when she opted not to return.

The Scott Mills Show became a fixture on Radio 1 for nearly two decades before his move to Radio 2 in 2022, where he took over the afternoon programme previously hosted by Steve Wright.

His appointment to the prestigious breakfast slot last year marked the pinnacle of his broadcasting career at the corporation.

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