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.

A CELEBRATION of one of Hollywood’s most memorable moments in Pembrokeshire is set to take place this autumn, as Fishguard prepares to mark seventy years since the filming of Moby Dick.

The Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival has secured £44,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the 1956 classic, which brought global attention to Fishguard and Goodwick.

Directed by John Huston and starring Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Orson Welles and Leo Genn, the film used Fishguard Bay as a backdrop for scenes featuring Captain Ahab’s ship, the Pequod. Many local residents were recruited as extras, while cast and crew stayed in the Fishguard Bay Hotel and Fishguard Arms.

Memories of the production remain vivid in the community, with stories passed down over generations — including the loss of a seventy-foot model whale at sea, a Miss Fishguard dancing with Leo Genn at the Town Hall, and Gregory Peck being spotted in local shops.

Organisers say this year’s festival will bring those memories back to life while also looking to the future.

Events will include a lantern parade led by a giant model whale created by Small World Theatre, literary talks exploring the history of whaling, and an augmented reality experience placing a virtual whale in Fishguard Bay.

The project will also collect photographs, souvenirs and personal recollections from local people, alongside discussions on marine conservation, maritime heritage and changing attitudes towards whaling.

Further highlights will include a screening of Moby Dick at Theatr Gwaun, an exhibition featuring ‘Humpy’ — the humpback whale that appeared in Fishguard Bay in 2024 — and the creation of a commemorative mural.

OLE chairman Dr Patrick Thomas said the funding represented a major boost for the project.

He said: “Together we will create a joyous celebration of a remarkable episode in the history of Fishguard and Goodwick, and ensure that people’s living memories of that time are recorded and preserved for posterity.”

Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust Wales, said the festival would also highlight the importance of protecting marine life.

He said: “We are delighted to take part in the On Land’s Edge Festival and highlight the need to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises rather than hunt them.

“Part of our contribution will be a presentation at Theatr Gwaun exploring how attitudes around the world have shifted towards conservation.

“There will also be other contributors enhancing the festival over the weekend, which we believe will appeal to all ages, from local residents to visitors.”

The project has also received backing from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, along with local history groups Ein Hanes and Hanes Abergwaun.

Town mayor Cllr Billy Shaw welcomed the news.

He said: “This will add another fantastic festival to Fishguard and Goodwick’s growing list of events.

“Every event we hold helps promote the twin towns on both a local and national stage, and this one offers something unique that will attract visitors and locals alike.”

Pembrokeshire-born singer to speak publicly for first time about kidnap ordeal

PEMBROKESHIRE-born singer Duffy is set to break her silence about the traumatic events that led to her disappearance from the music industry, as part of a new feature-length documentary for Disney+.

The award-winning artist, who rose to global fame with her hit single Mercy and debut album Rockferry, will speak in detail for the first time about the kidnap and sexual assault she revealed in 2020.

The project was announced at the Series Mania television festival in France by Disney+’s head of content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Angela Jain, who described the documentary as a “powerful” and sensitive piece.

She said Duffy had “entrusted us with her story,” adding that the platform recognised its responsibility to handle the subject matter with care.

Duffy stunned fans six years ago when she disclosed in a social media post that she had stepped away from music in 2011 after being drugged, kidnapped and raped.

In a later, detailed account published on her website, she said she had been drugged on her birthday in a restaurant before being held captive and taken abroad for several weeks.

She wrote that the ordeal left her fearing for her life, explaining why she did not immediately go to the police.

“It didn’t feel safe to go to the police,” she said at the time. “I felt if anything went wrong, I would be dead.”

She later reported the incident but said she had felt “petrified” ever since.

The singer’s sudden withdrawal from the spotlight at the height of her success had long puzzled fans. Her debut album Rockferry became one of the best-selling records in the UK, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.

In recent years, there have been tentative signs of a return. In 2025, Duffy appeared briefly in a social media clip promoting a remix of Mercy with dance artist E.motion, sparking excitement among fans.

However, no new official release has followed, and she has largely remained out of public view.

The upcoming Disney+ documentary is expected to shed light on the events behind her decade-long absence and offer insight into her recovery.

Production is due to begin shortly, with no release date yet confirmed.