How ‘perfect’ host Scott Mills worked his way to BBC Radio 2’s top Breakfast Show slot

Zoe Ball has signed off from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show for the final time, and Scott Mills is taking up the mantle in January.

The pair are close friends and Zoe, 54, has been incredibly supportive of Scott, 51, as she said in November: ‘Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me.

‘He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the breakfast Show. Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam.

‘He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!’

Fans who have tuned in to listen to Zoe over the last six years are gutted to see her go, after spending every weekday morning with her from 6.30am until 9.30am.

Hanging up her headphones for the final time to the song Keeping The Dream Alive by Münchener Freiheit, Zoe said to her listeners: ‘Take care of yourselves, lovely peeps. My top cats. Merry Christmas everyone.’

While Zoe oozes friendly warmth – and has an inspired fanbase, as she was the first woman to present the slot – Scott is a BBC radio mainstay, known for his lively presenting style, punchy speech breaks, and fun listener interactions.

On bagging the breakfast slot gig, Scott was clearly overwhelmed with happiness on achieving this huge career feat, the top spot across the broadcaster, after 24 years at the BBC.

‘All roads have led to this amazing opportunity,’ he said, remembering when he recorded his first show, which had the solo audience of his mother.

He said it was a ‘life-long dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 breakfast show.’

How Scott Mills climbed the BBC ranks to the Radio 2 breakfast slot

Scott began his DJ career aged 16 on Hampshire’s Power FM and before long he was given a regular slot and became the UK’s youngest presenter.

After moving through a few city radio stations, Scott joined London’s Heart FM in 1995, and three years later he was approached by Radio 1.

Ever since, he’s climbed the ranks of the station, from initially presenting the early breakfast show on Radio 1 between 4am and 7am.

In 2004, Scott moved to a weekend afternoon slot and later that year settled in the weekday early evening slot, which he took over from Sara Cox when she went on maternity leave.

Scott stayed in this post as a permanent presenter, and the slot was renamed The Scott Mills Show. In 2012, Scott switching presenting duties with Greg James, and his show was moved to the afternoon.

Throughout his time at the BBC, Scott regularly stepped in for Radio 2 presenters in their absence, and it wasn’t long before he cemented himself as a permanent presenter on the much-loved station.

In July 2022 it was announced Scott would be taking over the late Steve Wright’s Radio 2 afternoon slot. Two years later, and he’s finally got the primetime slot.

What’s the reaction to Scott Mills replacing Zoe Ball on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show?

While there’s been a lot of sadness on Zoe’s departure, many have spoken out in support of Scott as a natural and talented successor.

Presenter Rylan took to social media and wrote: ‘Zoe we love you loads thank you so much for shaping Saturday afternoons for me and being the best wake up for the past 6 years.

‘Scott, I’ve never been more happy for someone. If you grazed your knee you would bleed radio. I know how much this means to you and I’m so so proud of you. Just gutted we won’t have many late nights now….. actually we will. Love you both x.’

Radio 2 morning fans also shared their thoughts on X after the news, as @MadameMilady said: ‘You could see that coming a mile off. So chuffed for him. Love him! Be sad to see Zoe go though.’

While Zoe has a very dedicated fanbase, Scott’s long tenure on BBC radio has grown his following to similar heights.

Fan @polly_atomic wrote this morning: ‘Very excited for Scott Mills new radio 2 breakfast show!

‘When I was at school I used to hide my earphones under my hair so I could listen to him and Chris Stark on their Radio 1 afternoon show.’

@RMeredith72 said: ‘Fantastic choice!!! Huge congratulations to @scott_mills @BBCRadio2 – I’ll miss @ZoeTheBall but you are perfect for the position – love love love this choice.’

Zoe’s are big boots to fill, but Scott is a man who has worked his way to the top for two decades, so if anyone can do it, he can.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Gregg Wallace slashes prices on wellness business after MasterChef accusations

MORE: James Corden’s crushing four-word reveal about Gavin and Stacey finale

MORE: Sewing Bee fans really don’t want another ‘excruciating’ celebrity episode ever again