Jeremy Vine has fiery clash with Ann Widdecombe over sacked DJ Scott Mills as she accuses BBC of ‘believing he’s guilty’ as hosts hints at ‘another reason’ for axe

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Jeremy Vine and Ann Widdecombe had a heated debate on Tuesday about the BBC’s decision to let Scott Mills go. Widdecombe suggested the BBC acted as if Mills was guilty, referencing an old police investigation into claims of sexual misconduct.

The 53-year-old Radio 2 DJ was fired on Monday following reports that police questioned him in 2018 about serious sexual offenses allegedly committed against a boy younger than 16.

In 2019, prosecutors closed the investigation because they didn’t have enough evidence to file charges.

The BBC declined to comment on whether they knew about the investigation into Scott, 53, when it was happening. However, a source close to Scott told the Daily Mail they believe he didn’t inform his workplace about it.

On Tuesday’s episode of his Channel 5 show, Jeremy challenged a Reform Party spokesperson, Ann, after she suggested that Scott’s dismissal strongly implied he had done something wrong.

Jeremy responded by saying she was mistaken and suggested there was another explanation for the radio host’s firing. This followed overnight reports that he was let go after new information came to light.

According to reports on Tuesday, company leaders felt they had to let Scott go after receiving new details about his behavior.

Although the latest information concerns the same individual as the initial complaint, it presents different details than those investigated by the Metropolitan Police. Following a review, the BBC concluded that presenter Dominic Mills needed to be removed, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

Regarding Scott’s dismissal, Ann stated, ‘Everyone expects me to say he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty, and I do believe that, but I’m still shocked by this.’

Honestly, when I first started hearing whispers about what he’d allegedly done, I just figured it was something happening right then, or maybe still happening. I really did. It was just so shocking, I couldn’t imagine it being anything from the distant past. I kept hoping it was just a misunderstanding, or something recent and fixable, you know?

Actually, the issue dates back to 1997. It was looked into in 2016, but investigators didn’t find enough proof to take further action.

Honestly, I just don’t understand it. He’s been cleared, so why are they even considering letting him go now, in 2026? It feels like the BBC is implying he did something wrong, and it’s completely baffling to me.

Jeremy began by explaining that people can be dismissed from their jobs for reasons that aren’t actually against the law, using it as an initial point. Ann then interrupted, stating that someone is fired simply because they were investigated.

Jeremy explained that something like workplace bullying could be grounds for dismissal. He clarified that you don’t need to commit a crime to get fired.

Ann said: ‘The BBC are now saying, ”oh because this happened, we are sacking this person.”

So, it’s clear the BBC thought he did something wrong, even if it wasn’t a crime, implying they believed he was at fault.

Jeremy interrupted, explaining that while the person in question might not have committed a crime, their actions could still be grounds for dismissal by the BBC. He then began to illustrate this point with an example, starting with, ‘If the BBC…’

Ann tried to change the subject by bringing up something from 30 years ago, but Jeremy maintained it wasn’t related to the current issue. Ann strongly disagreed, stating it absolutely was connected.

Oh my gosh, can you believe he actually said that? It was like, he was starting to think 30 years was too long to wait! He literally said, ‘Maybe it times out,’ like we were a connection that could just… expire. I’m still reeling! It’s like he was subtly acknowledging all this time I’ve been waiting, but framing it as a technical limitation? It was… everything.

Marvyn Harrison, the podcast host, pointed out that Ann appeared to be mixing up the rules for criminal offenses with those governing workplace issues. He added that employers would have needed to respond very quickly to any claims of misconduct.

The politician responded by explaining that the stated reason was based on an old criminal investigation – one that didn’t lead to any charges and happened a decade ago, concerning events from thirty years prior.

The BBC is stating that due to this event, they are firing this individual. This strongly suggests the BBC believes he committed the act, even if it doesn’t meet the standard for criminal guilt.

Jeremy attempted to interrupt Ann by saying she was mistaken, but she pressed on, explaining that even if he hadn’t committed a crime, he was still at fault.

The celebrity commented that while he might not have committed a crime, his actions could still be grounds for the BBC to fire him. He then offered an example to illustrate his point.

Ann pointed out the reported incidents happened almost 30 years ago. Jeremy then suggested there might be a time limit for addressing such issues. He explained that if an employee has a sexual relationship with a much younger colleague, that could be grounds for dismissal. He emphasized this would likely be a fireable offense.

Scott was fired from the BBC after working there for 27 years. It’s now been disclosed that he was previously investigated, and later cleared of, accusations of serious sexual offenses involving a boy under 16, alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.

Police investigated allegations against Mills after they were reported in 2016. However, prosecutors determined there wasn’t enough proof to move forward with charges and the case was closed in 2019.

The BBC hasn’t explained the reason for his dismissal, only stating that it involved issues with his ‘personal conduct’.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m following this story closely, and it’s raising some serious concerns. The network is now under scrutiny for continuing to broadcast this presenter’s segments even though they apparently knew he’d been questioned by police between 2018 and 2019. People are understandably asking why action wasn’t taken sooner, and it’s a really tough situation for everyone involved.

I’m hearing that the BBC has received some new information about the same person who previously made allegations, but this time it’s different from what they shared before, according to the Mirror. It seems like there’s a new development in the story.

According to reports, BBC executives recently reviewed new information and concluded that his resignation was necessary.

Reports indicate that in 2018, Scott Mills informed the BBC he had been questioned by police. According to a source quoted by the Sun, Mills told the BBC about the questioning and stated that he denied the accusations made against him.

Piers Morgan expressed confusion on X, pointing out that someone was investigated by the police a decade ago regarding alleged incidents from over 25 years prior, but no charges were filed and the investigation was closed.

‘Now he gets instantly fired over same thing? The BBC needs to explain why, surely?’

The Daily Mail reported this week that the complaint which led to Mills being removed from her position likely came from someone who was prompted to come forward again after the recent Channel 5 documentary about Huw Edwards, the former BBC newsreader.

A BBC executive in London told the Daily Mail that many leaders within the organization believed the timing of events wasn’t accidental.

Last week, Channel 5 aired a documentary called ‘Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards,’ which explored what led to the former BBC news anchor losing his position.

A source said: ‘The Huw Edwards drama showed that there could be a reckoning.’ 

Hu Edwards, a former lead presenter for BBC News, has received a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possessing indecent images of children.

Martin Clunes played Edwards in the Channel 5 drama, despite Edwards previously voicing strong criticism of the programme to the Mail last month.

He has ‘liked’ a LinkedIn post sympathising with the ‘stressful’ situation Mills faces.

Mills is reportedly not taking calls from his worried friends following his dismissal. 

According to a source who spoke with the Mirror, he’s been unreachable since the decision was made, and friends are having trouble getting in touch with him. They say the show meant everything to him, and he’s now devastated by the prospect of losing everything he’s worked for.

People close to him were completely surprised by what happened recently, and reportedly had no idea he was fired until Monday. They also weren’t aware of the police investigation from 2016.

Jeremy Vine has expressed his disagreement with the dismissal of his BBC Radio 2 coworker, Mills, calling it ‘unfair.’ He stated on his own show that ‘no crime has been committed.’

Jeremy Vine, host of a popular Radio 2 show that analyzes the news, expressed his disappointment about Simon Mills leaving his position. He hinted that Mills was let go because management regretted how they dealt with the situation involving Huw Edwards.

The speaker explained that Huw Edwards couldn’t face disciplinary action due to his mental health, and suggested that similar understanding wasn’t being extended to Scott, whose past struggles with anxiety and depression seemed to be overlooked.

BBC reporters, including Vine, were surprised by the news announced on Monday that Mills had been let go.

He started his show on Tuesday by addressing the surprise news of Scott Mills’ departure. He asked listeners for their thoughts, saying many were confused by the decision and he was curious to hear what they thought about it.

We were surprised to learn yesterday, just before noon, that Scott Mills, the host of our breakfast show, had been let go from Radio 2. We understand the decision was related to concerns about his personal behavior.

Later in the show, Vine also said, ‘This is a really difficult time for anyone who knows Scott – he’s well-liked by everyone here.’

Jeremy Vine also discussed the situation with BBC media and culture editor Katie Razzell. She had asked management about the reasons for Mills’ dismissal, specifically if they knew about any past police investigations involving him.

In 2016, police investigated a man in his 40s following accusations of serious sexual offenses that allegedly occurred between 1997 and 2000.

He was questioned by police under caution in July 2018.

Mills was not charged with a criminal offence and the case was closed due to lack of evidence.

As a general rule, I’ve learned that the police – specifically the Metropolitan Police here – don’t release the names of people they’re looking into until formal charges are filed. It’s all about protecting people’s privacy and ensuring a fair process, you know? They keep things confidential until there’s a solid legal basis to share information.

A representative stated that the Metropolitan Police started an investigation in December 2016 after receiving a request from another police department.

Police investigated claims of serious sexual abuse involving a teenager. The alleged incidents reportedly happened between 1997 and 2000.

In July 2018, police interviewed a man in his 40s as part of their investigation, advising him of his rights first.

Investigators sent a complete set of evidence to prosecutors, but they decided there wasn’t enough proof to file charges. Based on this advice, the investigation was ended in May 2019.

Scotland Yard confirmed the boy was under 16.

BBC music director Lorna Clarke announced in an email to staff on Monday that Scott Mills has departed from both the breakfast show and the BBC.

I understand this news is sudden and unexpected, and likely a shock. Many of us have worked with Scott for a long time, on various programs across Radio 1, 5 Live, Radio 2, and television.

‘I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.

This news will likely surprise our viewers and dedicated breakfast show listeners. I’ll share more details about the show’s future as soon as I can.

I know you likely have questions, but I won’t be making any further comments at this time. I hope you understand.

The BBC declined to provide further details, but previously stated: ‘We don’t discuss individual staff matters, but can confirm Scott Mills is no longer working for the BBC.’

The company has apologized for failing to investigate a journalist’s report last year about potentially inappropriate communications from Mills, and for not providing an update on the matter.

The BBC acknowledged receiving a media inquiry in 2025 that lacked sufficient detail. They admit they should have requested more information and are sorry this didn’t happen. They are now investigating why the initial inquiry wasn’t followed up on properly.

‘More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us.’

Mills has not commented since his sacking. 

He began his radio career in local stations across Hampshire, Bristol, and Manchester before joining Heart 106.2 in 1995. He then moved to BBC Radio 1 in 1998.

He started his career on the morning show in 1998 and gradually worked his way up, eventually taking over the afternoon program previously hosted by Sara Cox in 2004.

The show, originally called The Scott Mills Show, aired from 2004 to 2022. After that, Scott Mills moved to Radio 2 and took over Steve Wright’s afternoon show.

He began hosting the popular Radio 2 Breakfast Show in January of last year, taking over the position from Zoe Ball.

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2026-04-01 13:06