Scott Mills: I have been subject to rumour and speculation since BBC sacking

By Laura Harding, Entertainment Editor

Scott Mills has said he has been subject to “rumour and speculation” since the BBC announced his sacking earlier this week.

In his first public statement since the news broke, the former Radio 2 breakfast host said he “co-operated fully” with the police investigation into allegations of a historic sexual offence.

In a statement released through his lawyers, 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 cooperated and responded to in 2018.

“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 7 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.”

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 prior to his sacking.

The corporation revealed it terminated the BBC Radio 2 presenter’s contracts on Friday, just days after taking him off air, following new information it received in recent weeks.