Scott Mills instructs lawyers to pursue legal action after BBC dismissal

Scott Mills, the BBC Radio 2 breakfast host who was dismissed in March, has instructed lawyers to pursue legal action against the corporation, according to reports, following the broadcaster’s decision to terminate his contracts in connection with a historic police investigation involving an underage complainant. Mills, 53, has denied wrongdoing and says he fully cooperated with police during the investigation that, prosecutors later concluded, did not have sufficient evidence to charge him.

The BBC said it acted after obtaining new information about the case. In a statement, the BBC said Mills’ contracts were terminated on Friday 27 March, after it spoke directly with him in recent weeks. The corporation added that while it was aware of an investigation by 2017, current senior management had not been aware of the alleged complainant’s age when the decision was taken. The BBC also said the police investigation was closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge.

Mills’ dispute centers on his employment and the basis for the BBC’s decision. In 2018, Mills was questioned by police under caution relating to allegations dating to events between 1997 and 2000, after an earlier allegation was...