BBC Radio 2 is preparing a surprise replacement for Scott Mills, who was removed from the breakfast show last month. The 53-year-old DJ faced dismissal amid a 2016 Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage boy under 16 from 1997 to 2000.
Gary Davies currently hosts the breakfast slot temporarily, as the broadcaster searches for a permanent host. High-profile figures like Vernon Kay, Sara Cox, and Claudia Winkleman have been speculated, but sources indicate none will take the role.
OJ Borg Emerges as Frontrunner
OJ Borg, 47, who hosts the weekday overnight show from midnight to 3 a.m., leads the candidates. Sources close to the station note, “Bosses want to choose someone who’s not the biggest name, but is well-liked at the station.” They add, “OJ is someone who has proven he can do the job. He ticks all the right boxes and could be the perfect fit – even though he’s not one of the top stars vying for the job, picking him may feel like a surprise choice, but it would be a clean slate for the breakfast show.”
Borg began his career on VH1 in 2005 and has hosted National Lottery and EuroMillions draws on BBC One. He also produces and hosts BBC podcasts on cycling and mixed martial arts (MMA). He joined Radio 2 in 2018.
Other Contenders
Rylan Clark remains a strong option, popular with listeners for his upbeat Saturday afternoon program. Vernon Kay, the bookmakers’ favorite, draws 6.7 million weekly listeners to his mid-morning show, the most-listened-to on UK radio. Sara Cox has anchored drivetime since 2019, with decades at the BBC. Claudia Winkleman appears unavailable due to her BBC One chat show and The Traitors commitments.
Mills’ Fallout
Following his sacking, Mills lost several engagements. Organizers pulled him from the Ibiza Symphonica concert citing the allegations’ severity. Channel 4 shelved the final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer featuring him.
The BBC acknowledged awareness of the 2017 police probe but acted decisively on new information prior to the dismissal. Mills issued a statement via lawyers, denying rumor and speculation since his exit, and confirming full cooperation with the historical offense investigation.
