The BBC has officially unveiled Tyler West as the new co-host for the spin-off podcast of the popular television series, Race Across The World. This announcement comes in the wake of the dismissal of former host Scott Mills from the corporation.
Replacement Following Controversial Dismissal
Scott Mills, a long-standing BBC presenter, was recently sacked from his roles, including his position on the Radio 2 breakfast show. Reports from The Daily Mirror have linked this decision to a 2016 police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy, which occurred between 1997 and 2000. It is important to note that the case was dropped approximately seven years ago due to insufficient evidence.
New Host and Podcast Details
Tyler West, a 30-year-old television presenter, DJ, and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, will now co-host the podcast, titled Race Across The World: The Detour, alongside Alfie Watts. The podcast is set to launch immediately after the new series episode airs tonight, April 2, and will be available weekly on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Each episode will feature a variety of guests, including creators, comedians, and celebrity fans, who will provide insights and commentary on the series. The inaugural episode will include appearances by Kola Bokinni and Molly Rainford, with Yinka Bokinni joining for a bonus episode on BBC Sounds.
Background of the New Host
Tyler West is no stranger to the Race Across The World franchise, having competed in last year's celebrity edition alongside his partner, former EastEnders actress Molly Rainford. Additionally, he gained widespread recognition for his participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where he was paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
Internal Shock and Further Replacements
Within the BBC, there is reported to be "total shock" over Mills's sudden departure. Lorna Clarke, the Director of Music, communicated this news to staff via email, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the decision and its impact on both employees and loyal listeners.
In related developments, Mills has also been removed from his Eurovision commentary duties. He will be replaced by fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in May. Mills had been a commentator for the semi-finals since 2011 and was recently joined by Rylan Clark on these broadcasts.
Legacy and Context
Scott Mills, who earned between £355,000 and £359,999 annually from the BBC, had a significant tenure at the corporation, including taking over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025. He and his now-husband Sam won the second celebrity series of Race Across The World in 2024, adding to his profile within the BBC's entertainment lineup.
The BBC has stated that all future work planned with Mills has been cancelled, underscoring the swift actions taken following the allegations. As the new podcast series begins, viewers and listeners can expect weekly updates and engaging content from Tyler West and Alfie Watts, chronicling the journey of the latest Race Across The World series.
