Channel 4 scraps Bake Off episode starring Scott Mills
Channel 4 Scraps Bake Off Episode Featuring Scott Mills
Channel 4 has decided to cancel a celebrity episode of The Great British Bake Off that included DJ Scott Mills. The former host of the Radio 2 breakfast show was dismissed by the BBC last month following historical allegations of serious sexual misconduct. Mills stated he “fully co-operated and responded” to a prior police inquiry, which concluded without criminal charges, and declined to make additional comments. Despite this, the episode he had already recorded for Stand Up To Cancer will not be shown, as the broadcaster opted to “carefully consider the circumstances” before airing it.
Channel 4 emphasized the gravity of the accusations, noting that the decision to withhold the episode was made to uphold public trust. An alternate episode of the celebrity baking series will replace it. Originally, Mills was set to appear alongside singer Rag’n’Bone Man, DJ Edith Bowman, and JLS performer Aston Merrygold. Additionally, he has been removed from the guest list for Boyzone’s upcoming June concerts at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Whether this was a voluntary move or a result of the BBC’s decision remains unclear.
Charity Roles and Public Statements
Mills has also stepped down as an ambassador for the MS Society UK, which he joined in 2015 after his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The charity acknowledged his contribution, stating he had been a “valued ambassador” for over a decade. “We take concerns of this nature and the trust placed in us as a charity extremely seriously,” they added, “Our priority is the MS community and ensuring we can continue to support everyone living with and affected by MS.”
Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer charity, similarly announced it was ending its partnership with Mills, who had served as a patron since 2021. The BBC’s decision to terminate his contract came after learning the alleged victim in the 2016 police investigation was under 16. The Metropolitan Police had opened the case in 2016, citing allegations involving a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000, but closed it in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. Mills’ own statement last week clarified: “An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence… 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 inquiry was closed seven years ago, I hope the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment.” – Scott Mills