BBC Radio 2 is reportedly considering a wildcard choice to replace veteran DJ Scott Mills, who was dismissed last month after 27 years with the corporation. The 53-year-old presenter was investigated and cleared over allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000, with the Crown Prosecution Service finding insufficient evidence in 2019.
Search for a Long-Term Replacement
While Gary Davies has been temporarily filling the breakfast show slot, BBC executives are working behind the scenes to secure a permanent replacement. Early frontrunners Vernon Kay, Claudia Winkleman, and Sara Cox have all reportedly ruled themselves out of contention.
The Wildcard Contender
OJ Borg, whose real name is Oliver James Borg, has emerged as a surprising candidate. The overnight presenter, who hosts a live show from midnight to 3am on weekdays, is described by insiders as a "wildcard" who could provide a "clean slate" for the breakfast programme.
A source told The Sun: "Bosses are most likely to pick a wildcard. They want to choose someone who's not the biggest name, but is well liked at the station. OJ is someone who has proven he can do the job. He ticks all the right boxes and could be the perfect fit."
Why Big Names Are Ruling Themselves Out
Vernon Kay, the early bookmakers' favourite with odds of 6/4, has reportedly declined the position despite being a household name at the BBC. Claudia Winkleman is said to be too busy following her success with The Traitors, while Sara Cox has expressed "no interest" in returning to breakfast radio after previously hosting BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show for three years.
Insiders suggest potential hosts are wary of appearing too eager to avoid accusations of "vulture circling" following Mills' departure. Greg James, Radio 1's biggest star, is considered too valuable to move to Radio 2 at this time.
Bookmakers' Odds and Other Contenders
Following Vernon Kay's withdrawal, Gary Davies sits at 5/2 in the betting odds after stepping in to cover the breakfast show. Other contenders include OJ Borg at 11/4, Rylan Clark at 7/2, Clara Amfo at 4/1, and Tony Blackburn at 6/1.
Claudia Winkleman remains an outsider at 8/1 alongside comedian Joe Wilkinson at 10/1 and Alex Horne at 20/1. The BBC has declined to comment on the speculation surrounding the replacement.
Background to Scott Mills' Departure
Scott Mills was dismissed in March after 27 years with the BBC. The corporation admitted it was aware of the police investigation in 2017 before taking action based on new information. Hampshire Police initially received the allegations from a third party in 2016, passing them to the Metropolitan Police for investigation.
The Met questioned Mills in 2018, but the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to bring charges, closing the case in 2019. Mills released an emotional statement earlier this month confirming the investigation and thanking colleagues and listeners for their support.
He stated: "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. Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven 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."
