Channel 4 Cancels Scott Mills Bake Off Episode Amid Allegations
Channel 4 has announced that the final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, featuring the radio DJ Scott Mills, will not be broadcast. This decision comes in response to serious allegations of sexual abuse against Mills, who was recently sacked from his role as BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host.
Background of the Allegations
Scott Mills, 53, was dismissed by the BBC last month after new information emerged regarding his conduct. The corporation stated it first became aware of a police investigation into historical allegations of sexual abuse in 2017. However, Mills' contract was terminated in March, aligning with the BBC's commitment to its culture and values.
The allegations involve accusations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16, with the police inquiry beginning in 2016. The Metropolitan police reported that the offences were alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his 20s. Although Mills was interviewed under caution in 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service closed the investigation in 2019, citing insufficient evidence to bring charges.
Impact on Broadcast and Charities
Channel 4 released a statement explaining its decision: "Having carefully considered the circumstances, we've taken the decision not to air the final episode of the 2026 series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, featuring Scott Mills. Acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations that have been made against Scott, we don't believe it would be appropriate to air the episode at this time. An alternative episode of Celebrity GBBO will go out in its place."
Mills had already filmed the episode, which was scheduled to air on Sunday, 19 April. He was set to appear alongside notable celebrities such as the singer-songwriter Rag'n'Bone Man, radio DJ Edith Bowman, and JLS singer Aston Merrygold.
In addition to the broadcast cancellation, Mills has faced repercussions in his charitable roles. He has stepped back as an ambassador for MS Society UK, and Neuroblastoma UK, a children's cancer charity, has decided to part ways with him after his patronage since 2021. Furthermore, Mills has been dropped as the host of the BBC's new Race Across the World spin-off podcast.
Broader Context and Response
The 2026 series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off has been airing weekly since 22 March, featuring stars like Molly-Mae Hague, JoJo Siwa, and Vicky Pattison. Mills' absence from the final episode marks a significant shift in the show's lineup.
In a statement last week, Mills addressed the allegations: "An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment."
The BBC has acknowledged that it knew about the police investigation in 2017 but emphasized that it acted decisively upon receiving new information prior to Mills' sacking. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in media and entertainment industries.
