How much Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 replacement could really earn

It’s been over a week since the BBC announced that Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills had been sacked over allegations regarding his personal conduct.

On 30 March, the corporation said Scott, 53, had been let go following a 2016 police investigation into alleged serious sexual offences against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000. The case was dropped in 2019 due to a lack of evidence.

Scott has since released a statement saying he “fully cooperated and responded” to the investigation at the time and asked the public and media to respect his wish “not to make any further public comment on this matter”.

Since his departure has left a role to fill in the BBC Radio 2 schedule, many listeners have been wondering who will take Scott’s place. While the BBC is yet to make an official announcement, a number of names have been tipped as potential replacements – along with the prospect of an impressive salary.

Who could be replacing Scott Mills?

Since Scott’s departure, DJ Gary Davies has filled in for the usual breakfast slot, leading some fans to suspect he could remain in the role given his extensive experience at the BBC.

Another name making the rounds is Vernon Kay, who currently hosts the mid-morning Radio 2 show after taking over from Ken Bruce in 2023.

Other names linked to the role include overnight presenter OJ Borg, Saturday afternoon host Rylan Clark and Radio 1 alum Clara Amfo.

How much could the replacement’s salary be?

As part of its annual report, the BBC publishes the salaries of its highest-paid presenters earning over £178,000, including stars like Gary Lineker, Zoe Ball, Alan Shearer and Greg James.

According to the most recent figures, Scott – who spent nearly three decades at the BBC – was one of Radio 2’s top earners, taking home between £355,000 and £359,999 between 2024 and 2025.

This means his replacement could expect a salary in a similar bracket, though potentially higher or lower depending on experience and profile.

For comparison, Vernon Kay, who took over the mid-morning slot in 2023, earned slightly more, with a reported salary of £390,000 to £394,999 in the same period.

Meanwhile, Gary Davies, who hosts Sounds of the 80s, earned between £178,000 and £184,999, suggesting he could see a significant pay rise if appointed full-time on the breakfast show.

What has happened to Scott Mills since his sacking?

Since his shock departure from the BBC, there have been multiple scheduling changes and public setbacks for the former Radio 2 breakfast host.

A celebrity episode of The Great British Bake Off, in which Scott featured, has been pulled from broadcast, while his planned appearance at Boyzone’s two concerts at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in June has also been cancelled.

Scott has also stepped back from his role as ambassador for MS Society UK, while multiple episodes of Top of the Pops that he presented appear to have been removed from the BBC Four schedule.

What has Scott Mills said? 

Scott released a statement two days after the news first broke, writing on social media: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.

“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”