X Factor winner hits out at Scott Mills after BBC axe over 'humiliating' unearthed interview

Lydia Davies
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:17:40 +0000

Steve Brookstein has launched a scathing attack on Scott Mills following the broadcaster’s shock dismissal, after revisiting a previously “humiliating” interview.

The first winner of The X Factor took to X shortly after news broke that Mr Mills had been axed from his role at BBC Radio 2, writing: “Sad to hear Scott Mills has been sacked. I don’t hold a grudge, but I remember names.”

Mr Brookstein then linked to a post from 2013 in which he accused Mr Mills of mocking him during an interview alongside James Arthur.

The 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.”

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Fans soon rushed to support Mr Brookstein after the singer brought the spat back into the public eye.

Mr Brookstein responded on X, insisting that the alleged "bullying" he endured "hurt".

The singer has repeatedly positioned himself as a critic of the music and media establishment, having previously aimed at high-profile figures including Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, as well as production teams behind his rise to fame.

Mr Mills’ departure from the BBC was confirmed on Monday, with the corporation issuing a brief statement: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”

The 53-year-old presenter had been a prominent voice on BBC radio since joining BBC Radio 1 in 1998, most recently hosting the flagship breakfast show on BBC Radio 2.

He took over the coveted slot from Zoe Ball in 2025, marking a high point in his decades-long career.

Mr Mills rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a familiar voice to millions through his long-running Radio 1 show, before moving to Radio 2 in 2022 to replace Steve Wright.

His sudden exit has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting world, with colleagues including Jeremy Vine admitting they were “taken aback” by the news when it broke live on air.

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Sad to hear Scott Mills has been sacked. I don’t hold a grudge but I remember names. https://t.co/2NYMQ1MTIn
— Steve Brookstein (@stevebrookstein) March 30, 2026

Addressing the situation during his programme, Mr Vine said he had only learned of the development minutes before going on air, telling listeners he had “nothing more” than the information provided in official bulletins.

The BBC has not disclosed full details surrounding the allegations linked to Mr Mills’ departure, stating only that they relate to “personal conduct”.

GB News has contacted the corporation for comment.

Mr Mills departure comes amid a broader period of upheaval within the corporation, which has seen several high-profile exits in recent months following allegations of misconduct and internal investigations.

Several well-known figures, including Gregg Wallace, John Torode and Gary Lineker, have all stepped away from roles at the BBC under varying circumstances, contributing to what some have described as a turbulent period for the broadcaster.

Senior leadership has also been affected, with former Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness both departing in late 2025 following wider controversies.

Mr Mills is yet to publicly address his sacking.

The presenter has been contacted by GB News comment.