Former X Factor Winner Labels Scott Mills' BBC Departure as 'Karma'
Steve Brookstein, the inaugural winner of The X Factor in 2004, has publicly reacted to the abrupt termination of Scott Mills from BBC Radio 2. Brookstein described the dismissal as "karma," while simultaneously asserting that he does not harbour a grudge against the former radio host.
Brookstein's Social Media Commentary on the Controversial Exit
Following the announcement on 30 March 2026 that Mills had been sacked from his breakfast show role, Brookstein took to social media to share his thoughts. He retweeted a post from 2013 in which he accused Mills of "taking the p**s" out of him during an on-air segment with singer James Arthur.
The 2013 post read: "@scott_mills remember taking the p**s out of me with James Arthur the other week? I need to hear that interview again. Cheers. :0)"
In a subsequent comment, Brookstein stated: "Sad to hear Scott Mills has been sacked. I don’t hold a grudge but I remember names."
Alleged Connection to a Historical Police Investigation
Mills' departure from BBC Radio 2 is reportedly linked to a previously undisclosed police investigation from 2016. The investigation concerned allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy, alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that a man in his 40s was interviewed under caution in July 2018. The Crown Prosecution Service later determined that the evidential threshold for charges was not met, leading to the case being closed in May 2019.
It remains unclear whether the BBC was aware of this investigation at the time. A source close to the corporation indicated that they acted "quickly and decisively" following a recent complaint.
Brookstein's Continued Engagement with Public Reaction
Brookstein actively engaged with social media users commenting on Mills' exit. When one fan labelled it "good riddance," Brookstein responded: "Thanks - still hurts the bullying I endured but great to see one of the bad eggs meet karma!"
In response to a user who called him a "hypocrite" and accused him of "baying for blood," Brookstein added that Mills was a "little s**t and had it coming." He told another user that the news "made my day," and defended his comments to a critic by stating he is "christian - not Jesus."
BBC's Official Statement and the Aftermath
The BBC issued a brief statement confirming Mills' departure: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC."
Mills was absent from his Radio 2 breakfast show on Tuesday 24 March, replaced by Gary Davies, before the official sacking was announced on Monday 30 March. The BBC is understood to have updated the complainant following Mills' termination and remains in contact with them.
