S Poddar
Scott Mills described his first day hosting BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show as “really overwhelmed,” expressing his excitement and disbelief as he officially took over the coveted morning slot on Monday.
Mills replaces Zoe Ball, who left after six years presenting the show last month. Welcoming listeners, the veteran broadcaster conceded that it felt a little strange. “As a radio presenter and lifelong enthusiast for the medium, it’s still very difficult for me to get my head around that this is really happening,” he said during his opening monologue.
To get started, he had a joke about speculation of his first single before launching the show proper with “Rock DJ” by Robbie Williams. “Here we go, this is the Scott Mills breakfast show on BBC Radio 2, and I still can’t believe that I’m actually saying those words,” he bubbled with excitement.
Of 25 years in broadcasting with the BBC, Mills reflected on his journey. “Some of you may have grown up listening to me, while others may not know much about me at all. Either way, if you could make me a part of your morning routine, it would truly mean the world. I promise to give this everything I have, and I really hope you enjoy it.”
Taking over from such household names as Zoe Ball, Chris Evans, Terry Wogan, Ken Bruce, and Derek Jameson to name just a few, Mills knows he was standing on very impressive shoulders indeed. “If I think too much about those who have occupied this seat before me, it becomes almost surreal. I was just a kid who dreamed of being on the radio but doubted whether I had the confidence to pull it off.”
He outlined his vision for the show, making sure to note how it’s positive. “The goal is simple: to make you smile, brighten your mood, and get you moving—whether you’re in the car, in bed, in the shower, or making breakfast. I want this show to be the one that picks you up on mornings when you might not feel your best.”
Mills was introduced to the weekday programming of Radio 2 in 2022 to replace Steve Wright in the afternoons, having spent almost 30 years at Radio 1 and having hosted a Saturday show on 5 Live.
On Monday, he let listeners know that he was committed to the idea of making the breakfast show into something they’d eagerly await. “I want to create a show that becomes part of your daily routine—something you genuinely look forward to each morning.”
Travel presenter Ellie Brennan and newsreader Tina Daheley, who has previously worked on shows hosted by Ball, Chris Moyles, Nick Grimshaw, and Trevor Nelson.
Listeners were quick to recall a statement Mills made last year: “Remind me never to do the breakfast show.” Addressing this comment with humor, he explained, “That was something I said once on ‘Race Across The World’ when we had to wake up early for tasks. Ellie even got me a card featuring that exact moment—things change, right?”
Hosting the breakfast slot is considered the prestige role at any radio station, although in the case of Radio 2, it is not currently the most listened to. That title belongs to the mid-morning slot, which is now presented by Vernon Kay, who replaced Ken Bruce in 2023.
Both Mills and Kay are part of a broader shift in the programming at Radio 2, which has seen several former Radio 1 presenters transition to the station. Alongside them, names like Trevor Nelson, Sara Cox, and Jo Whiley contribute to a lineup that is reminiscent of Radio 1’s schedule from the 2000s. Not all former Radio 1 personalities have made the move, though; Chris Moyles leads the breakfast show on Radio X, while Nick Grimshaw has recently taken over the BBC Radio 6 Music breakfast slot.
Sharing his aspirations for the show, Mills told listeners, “I want this to be the place you turn to every morning, knowing that Radio 2 will always lift your spirits. Whether it’s through a funny moment, an interesting story, or a song that means something to you, I want this to be a guaranteed bright spot in your day.”
Support messages poured in as the event went live. TV host Davina McCall and former host Zoe Ball sent voice notes wishing Mills well, and Robbie Williams personally called in to thank him for choosing “Rock DJ” for his opening track.
Music proved to be part and parcel of the opening stages of the broadcast event, with Whitney Houston, The Beatles, Kylie Minogue, The Doobie Brothers, Madonna, Chappell Roan, Midnight Train, Griff, Taylor Swift, Cher, Teddy Swims, and Rufus and Chaka Khan throughout this morning.
In addition to the superstars’ wishful messages, there were memorable moments during the show. Fan favorite from this season of “The Traitors” retired opera singer Linda Rands was one who sent her support in the form of recorded messages.
A highlight of the morning came from “Pause For Thought” regular Reverend Kate Bottley, who contributed several times from Stockport. The town’s train station had been renamed temporarily for the day “Scottport” to commemorate the new program. She introduced a live choir to sing remixes of famous tunes with lyrics written in tribute to Mills and local mayor Suzanne Wyatt said she expected the lighthearted gesture might bring joy to commuters.
Mills’ first morning on air signaled the dawn of a new generation for Radio 2’s breakfast show-a balance between familiarity and new energy. With characteristic warmth and enthusiasm, he let it be known that he was in this to take on the challenge of mornings making bright times for those who listened to him.
