BBC Radio 2 bosses have sparked anger among several of the station’s listeners after confirming who’d be stepping into Zoe Ball’s shoes on the Breakfast Show.
Ball, 53, announced her departure from the early morning slot on Tuesday with a heartfelt statement to listeners.
But soon after, her successor was announced and Scott Mills was confirmed as the next Breakfast Show host.
Mills has worked within BBC Radio for over two decades on both Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Upon his appointment, Mills said: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1.
“She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.”
He went on: “It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity.
“It really is a lifelong 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.”
Ball also backed the decision: “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!”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, branded it “a privilege to welcome Scott to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show” but it’s safe to say several listeners didn’t share the feeling.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, soon after the news broke, one fan hit out: “Scott Mills?? That’s me off the breakfast show.”
Another vowed to stop listening: “O NO , and then its Bloody SCOTT MILLS! Off to Greatest hits radio then!”
As did a third who vowed: “That’s me switching off The Breakfast Show forever! What is it with Scott Mills? Dread to think who’s taking over the Afternoon Show. It couldn’t get any worse though….@BBCRadio2.”
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And a fourth concurred: “@BBCRadio2 @zoeball Zoe leaving and replaced by Scott Mills? Awful choice. Everything he does is dumbed down and childish. Just Chris Evans as soon as he’s on.”
However, amid the uproar were some listeners who looked forward to Mills taking the reins, including one who argued: “Brilliant news to hear that @scott_mills will be taking over the @BBCRadio2 breakfast show when Zoe Ball moves on to the next chapter of her life.” (sic)
