The BBC has apologised for its response after allegations about Scott Mills were raised with the broadcaster last year.
The Radio 2 star had his contract terminated at the weekend, with the corporation initially saying he was dismissed due to claims over his “personal conduct”.
On Tuesday, it emerged Mills was investigated over allegations of “serious sexual offences” against a boy who was aged under 16.
The BBC has now issued a statement after the Telegraph reported the broadcaster knew of separate allegations against Mills almost a year ago but failed to investigate.
According to the newspaper, a freelance journalist contacted the BBC in May 2025 to say she had received information about alleged “inappropriate communications” involving Mills and asked whether the broadcaster was “ever aware of or involved in any related matters”.
The BBC was also asked by the journalist whether it had ever received any “formal or informal complaints” about Mills “relating to safeguarding, inappropriate conduct or harassment” and whether it had ever conducted an internal investigation into him, The Telegraph said.
It added that she did not receive a response.
In a statement to Sky News, the BBC said: “We received a press query in 2025 which included limited information. This should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions. We apologise for this and will look into why this did not happen.
“More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us.”
The Metropolitan Police said on Tuesday it had launched an investigation in December 2016 “following a referral from another police force” relating to “allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy”.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.
“As part of these inquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview was questioned by police under caution in July 2018,” the Met added.
It said the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately decided “the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges” and the case was closed in May 2019.
The charity Neuroblastoma UK said it had cut ties with Mills and that he was no longer a patron for the organisation.
Mills, who has not yet commented on his sacking, was taken off air by the BBC last Tuesday.
The 53-year-old signed off that show saying “back tomorrow” – but Gary Davies presented Wednesday’s show.
Mills took over from Zoe Ball on Radio 2’s breakfast show in 2025 after a long career at the BBC and regional radio. He was paid between £355,000 and £359,999.
