The BBC have replaced Scott Mills with Sara Cox as one of its commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest.
On Monday it was announced that the long-running BBC employee, 53, had been sacked following allegations over his ‘personal conduct’, which allegedly relate to a ‘historic relationship dating back more than 10 years’.
Confirming the news, 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.’
Then, this morning, it was reported that Mills was let go after an alleged complaint was made against him about a historic police investigation into ‘serious sexual offences against a boy under 16’.
The allegations, which did not result in any charges, were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000. The case was dropped around seven years ago due to a lack of evidence.
Whilst best known for taking over BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show from Zoe Ball last year, since 2011 he’s also been part of the national broadcaster’s coverage of Eurovision.
In recent years he’s commentated the two semi-finals alongside Rylan Clark, but after news of his firing was announced, it seemed clear he would also no longer be involved in the song contest – which will be held in Vienna in May.
That has now seemingly been confirmed following reports that his Radio 2 colleague Sara – who has presented its teatime show over the past seven years – was taking over.
The Sun has reported: ‘Sara and Rylan have now been formally put forward to cover the event following Scott’s departure.’
Aside from commentating the semi-finals on BBC One, Mills has also covered the final live on Radio 2. He’s also historically broadcast his show from the hosting city for the week leading up to the event.
Speaking about his love for the contest last year, Mills said: ‘Eurovision is like a melting pot and we’re all there for the same reason and everyone can chat and talk about what songs they like and what they don’t like.
‘We absolutely adore it. It’s our World Cup. I look forward to it so much and that’s what’s magical about it. Everyone’s there for the same reason.’
Just last month he was chosen to announce the UK entry of Look Mum No Computer live on his Radio 2 breakfast show.
Cox, 51, hosted a range of BBC Radio 1 shows from 1999 to 2014, including the breakfast show from 2000 until 2003. She later joined Radio 2.
While this year Cox mark the first time she will commentate the contest live on TV, last year she commentated the semi-finals live on Radio 2 alongside Richie Anderson.
She also previously commentated on the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Scott Mills on Radio 2 in Düsseldorf in 2011, Baku in 2012 and Rotterdam in 2021.
The BBC is yet to confirm the official presenting line-up on either BBC One or BBC Radio 2 for 2026.
The semi-finals of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 12 and 14, with the final to be held on May 16.
Mills was one of the highest-paid at the BBC, with a salary of £315,000 to £319,999 in 2024.
While no details about the reason for his sacking have been announced, the BBC has confirmed he no longer works for them.
The Mirror went on to share a statement from director of music Lorna Clarke, which had been sent to staff ahead of the ‘unexpected’ news.
It 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.
‘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.’
Reflecting on Scott’s position within the BBC, the email 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.’
Metro has contacted the BBC and representatives for Sara Cox for comment.
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