Channel 4 scraps Bake Off episode starring Scott Mills
Channel 4 scraps Bake Off episode starring Scott Mills
Channel 4 has announced the cancellation of a celebrity episode of The Great British Bake Off that included DJ Scott Mills. The former Radio 2 breakfast show host was dismissed by the BBC in March following allegations of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in 2016, which concluded in 2019 without criminal charges. Mills had previously stated he “fully co-operated and responded” to the inquiry, and declined to make further comments.
Episode Filming and Replacement
Mills had already recorded his segment for the Bake Off special, which was part of the Stand Up To Cancer initiative. However, Channel 4 cited the “seriousness of the accusations” as a reason to withhold the episode. The broadcaster confirmed that an alternative episode will replace it, ensuring the competition continues uninterrupted.
Other Event Withdrawals
Alongside the Bake Off decision, Mills has been removed from the lineup for Boyzone’s upcoming concerts at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in June. Originally scheduled as a “special guest DJ” for the Two For The Road reunion gigs, his name is now absent from promotional materials. It remains unclear whether his exit was voluntary or mandatory.
Charity Role Changes
Mills has also stepped down as an ambassador for the MS Society UK, a move the charity described as “a valued contribution” over more than a decade. A statement noted that concerns about the allegations are taken seriously, with the focus on supporting the MS community. Similarly, Neuroblastoma UK decided to “part ways” with him last week, ending his patron role since 2021.
Public Statements
“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in 2018. I fully cooperated and responded, and the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed,” Mills said in a statement.
He added that the investigation, closed seven years ago, “dates back nearly 30 years” and that he wished “not to make any further public comment.” The BBC had learned of the alleged victim’s age during the 2022 sacking process, prompting the decision to remove him from the shows.
Background on the Allegations
The allegations against Mills emerged in 2016, leading to a police inquiry. Despite his cooperation, prosecutors found no grounds for charges. The BBC’s action followed the revelation that the alleged incident involved a minor, underlining the gravity of the situation.
