A FORMER BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenter has been dismissed by the broadcaster following allegations relating to his personal conduct, with police confirming that the complainant at the centre of a historic investigation was under the age of sixteen.

Scott Mills, aged 53, was previously questioned by officers from the Metropolitan Police in 2018 in connection with allegations of serious sexual offences said to date back between 1997 and 2000.

The investigation, which began in 2016 following a referral from another force, was later closed in May 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Police have now confirmed that the individual at the centre of the allegations was under sixteen at the time.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the case involved “allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy”, adding that a man in his forties at the time was interviewed under caution before a full file was passed to prosecutors.

No charges were brought.

BBC confirms departure

The BBC confirmed on Monday that Mills is no longer working for the corporation, but declined to provide further detail on the reasons behind his departure.

A spokesperson 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.”

It remains unclear whether the historic police investigation played any role in the decision.

BBC News understands that senior leadership at the time of the investigation, including then Director General Tony Hall, were not aware of the allegations.

Mills has been approached for comment.

Shock exit from flagship show

Mills had most recently presented the Radio 2 breakfast show, taking over from Zoe Ball in January 2025, and had worked for the BBC for more than 25 years.

His final appearance on the programme was on Tuesday (March 24), signing off with “Back tomorrow.” He did not return to air the following day.

Fellow presenter Gary Davies stepped in to cover the slot, alongside overnight DJ OJ Borg, as the broadcaster considers a longer-term replacement.

Colleague Jeremy Vine described the news as “a terrible shame” and said the development had come as a shock to staff.

Former Radio 1 presenter Nihal Arthanayake urged caution, telling ITV that while concern must remain for any alleged victim, “there is a human being – well, there’s two human beings – at the centre of this.”

High-profile career

Mills joined Radio 1 in 1998 and became one of the station’s most recognisable voices, later moving to Radio 2 in 2022. He also hosted the Official Chart Show and appeared on television programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and Comic Relief.

As one of the BBC’s highest-paid presenters, his sudden departure is likely to raise further questions for the corporation, which has faced intense scrutiny in recent years over safeguarding and conduct issues involving on-air talent.

The Herald understands that further details surrounding the circumstances of his departure have not yet been made public.

NEARLY £1 million has been secured to strengthen marine biosecurity across the Milford Haven Waterway in a major new environmental initiative.

The Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD) project has been awarded £959,180 from the Nature Networks Fund, delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government. The three-year scheme aims to combat the growing threat of invasive non-native species and protect one of Wales’ most important marine ecosystems.

The project will introduce a coordinated, waterway-wide approach, combining new infrastructure with training, monitoring and public awareness campaigns.

Washdown facilities key focus

A central part of the scheme will see new vessel washdown facilities installed at boatyards around the waterway. These are designed to prevent biofouling – the build-up of organisms on hulls – which is a major pathway for invasive species entering and spreading in local waters.

By capturing and safely managing waste from thousands of vessel cleanings, the project aims to significantly reduce the risk of harmful species re-entering the marine environment.

Boatyard staff will also receive specialist training, while water users will be given targeted guidance alongside bilingual materials promoting the “Check Clean Dry” campaign.

Cutting-edge monitoring

The initiative will also utilise advanced monitoring techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA), allowing experts to detect invasive species earlier and respond more effectively.

The work supports the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Biosecurity Action Plan and builds on previous studies carried out by environmental consultants.

Leaders welcome funding

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be leading this important partnership project alongside some great partner organisations.

“The Milford Haven Waterway is central to our communities, economy and natural heritage, and invasive non-native species pose a growing threat to its ecological health.

“This funding allows us and our partners to put sector-leading biosecurity measures in place, supporting local businesses while safeguarding the marine environment for the long term.”

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, added: “This project tackles one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss.

“Reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species requires collective action, and this collaborative, waterway-wide approach is exactly what is needed.”

Wide partnership involved

The ABCD project will run from April 2026 to March 2029 and involves a broad partnership including the Port of Milford Haven, Dale Sailing, Rudders Boatyard, East Llanion Marine, Lawrenny Yacht Station and Mainstay Marine Solutions.

It will also work closely with Natural Resources Wales, the RYA’s Green Blue programme, the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat and local water users.

The scheme is expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure, increased awareness and stronger collaboration in tackling marine invasive species.

Photo caption: New washdown facilities will be installed at boatyards across the Milford Haven Waterway (Pic: Rudder’s Boatyard).

A NEW national campaign has been launched by the Welsh Government aimed at strengthening the country’s entire food system – from farm to fork.

The initiative, titled ‘Rooted in Wales’, is designed to bring together farmers, growers and fishers with manufacturers, retailers, communities and consumers in a collective effort to support local food and build a more resilient system.

Rather than focusing solely on individual choices, the campaign takes a whole-system approach, highlighting how every part of the food chain is connected – and how small changes across society can deliver lasting impact.

The campaign encourages:

• Farmers, growers and fishers to continue producing high-quality Welsh food
• Manufacturers and food businesses to source more Welsh ingredients
• Retailers and shoppers to prioritise local and seasonal produce
• Communities to grow, share and celebrate food locally
• A wider effort to cut waste, reduce packaging and support local economies

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, welcomed the initiative.

He said: “Choosing food that’s rooted in Wales is a powerful action we can all take to help create a more secure food system for our communities.

“By supporting local produce and our farmers, we are helping to build a fairer and healthier food system. People don’t need to change everything overnight – small steps taken together can make a big difference.”

The campaign builds on existing work across Wales, including efforts led by Food Sense Wales and a network of 22 Local Food Partnerships operating in every local authority area.

These partnerships play a key role in delivering the Welsh Government’s Community Food Strategy, bringing together organisations, businesses and communities to improve access to sustainable, locally sourced food.

The Welsh Government has also set a target to increase public sector spending on Welsh food by at least 50% by 2030, with ‘Rooted in Wales’ supporting that ambition.

The campaign was showcased at the Torfaen Food Summit at Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbrân, where local projects highlighted the benefits of community-led food initiatives.

Schoolchildren were among those taking part, with pupils from Blenheim Road and Coed Eva Community Primary Schools involved in growing and cooking demonstrations.

Businesses are also central to the campaign, with a focus on increasing the use of Welsh ingredients throughout the supply chain.

Leading the way is Castell Howell, one of Wales’ largest food distributors, which supplies ingredients for around 850,000 school meals each week.

Working alongside Food Sense Wales, the company has helped expand the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative to 12 local authorities, delivering more than one million portions of locally sourced, organic vegetables since 2022.

Edward Morgan, ESG manager at Castell Howell, said the project is helping create new opportunities for Welsh growers while encouraging healthier eating among children.

He said: “We need to stimulate more horticultural activity in Wales, but also help educate children to eat more vegetables.

“With strong support from local authorities and Welsh Government, we are confident this work will deliver real benefits in the years ahead.”

The ‘Rooted in Wales’ campaign invites individuals, businesses and communities to play their part in building a stronger, fairer and more sustainable food system for the future.