Scott Mills used to helm the semi-finals coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest on the BBC but this year, pals say he isn’t even watching it after being sacked amid a scandal
Scott Mills is ‘not watching Eurovision’(Image: BBC)
Scott Mills is reportedly “not watching a single moment of Eurovision” after the former BBC commentator for the semi-finals was axed amid a scandal. Pals of the star have said it is “far too raw” for Mills, as Angela Scanlon joins Rylan Clark instead.
The Eurovision gig was just one of the BBC jobs Mills lost after he was sacked from the broadcaster. Earlier this year, the Mirror revealed that Mills had been sacked with immediate effect by bosses after not disclosing the age of the teenager to the BBC at the time the scandal was first investigated by the police.
Current management at the BBC became aware in recent weeks, although the corporation had known in 2017 of a historic police investigation into Mills. Mills said in a statement via his lawyers that he “fully cooperated and responded” to the investigation at the time. The Crown Prosecution Service didn’t issue charges against Mills due to insufficient evidence.
Scott Mills and Rylan Clark were the previous hosts of the Semi-Finals(Image: BBC)
When the first Eurovision semi-final aired on 12 May, Clark and Scanlon commentated on the show for the BBC. Speaking to The Sun, a friend of Mills said: “Scott will not be watching a single moment of Eurovision – it is still all far too raw. He absolutely cherished that gig and never for a moment took it for granted.”
They added that though he was sad not to be involved with Eurovision, he had been “overwhelmed by support” and was letting old mates like Clark back into his life. The Mirror reached out to Mills’ representatives for comment.
Though Clark is said to be “devastated” that he isn’t hosting Eurovision with Mills, he hasn’t publicly acknowledged the change in presenter. Instead, he has simply said how happy he is to be presenting: “It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet. Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined.”
Speaking about getting the job, Scanlon said: “It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying! I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal.
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 hosts Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon(Image: BBC)
“It’s one of those shows that’s always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!”
The first semi-final has already happened, with 15 countries performing, including San Marino, who were represented by Senhit and Boy George. San Marino and Boy George failed to make the Grand Final, as only 10 countries could proceed. On Thursday (14 May), another 15 countries will compete for 10 more spots in Saturday’s (16 May) final, which will be hosted for the BBC by Graham Norton, as usual.
The UK entry, LookMumNoComputer, has already gotten a spot in the final, as the UK is one of five countries who automatically qualify due to how much money they contribute. The others are France, Germany, Italy and Spain, but Spain is not participating this year as it is boycotting the contest due to Israel’s participation.
Several countries have chosen not to participate due to the decision to allow Israel to take part despite their government’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Spain is joined by Iceland, Slovenia, The Netherlands and Ireland.
After deciding to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest last year, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ decided to show the 20-year-old Eurovision-themed episode of Father Ted instead of the contest. RTÉ will show the Eurovision-themed episode of Father Ted titled A Song For Europe, which sees Ted and Dougal perform My Lovely Horse at Eurovision.
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