Jeremy Vine addresses Scott Mills sacking on BBC Radio 2 show
Jeremy Vine began his show this morning by telling listeners he was only told Scott Mills had been sacked by the BBC seventeen minutes before going on air at 12 noon today.
As he opened his news-based programme immediately after today's lunchtime bulletin, he said he "knew nothing more about it".
In a move that will have sent shockwaves through Radio 2 and the BBC, the much admired DJ was allegedly told at the weekend he was no longer employed by the BBC. It follows allegations into his "personal conduct" which the BBC has not elaborated on.
Lorna Clarke, the director of music at the BBC, said in a statement to staff issued this morning: “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.
“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.”
Today's news is another blow to the BBC which is still reeling from high profile scandals including Huw Edwards' sacking and Tim Davies being force to step down following a Newsnight Scandal.
Mills will no longer front the BBC's Eurovision coverage or any of his BBC Sounds podcasts. Although his move to Radio 2 proved unpopular when he replaced Steve Wright, his stint on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show proved popular, holding strong in the official RAJAR ratings following Zoe Ball's exit.