University panel to recommend removal of Scott Mills’ honorary doctorate

Former Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills could lose his honorary doctorate of arts from Southampton Solent University after he was sacked by the BBC.

It’s understood the university’s honorary doctorate scrutiny panel will recommend that the award is rescinded when it meets later in April.

Mills received the honour in November 2009.

The BBC terminated the 53-year-old breakfast show host’s contract last month following allegations about his “personal conduct”.

The corporation has since admitted it knew about a police investigation into allegations against Mills of a historical sexual offence in 2017, but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks before his sacking.

Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie said it became “very clear” that Mills had to be sacked.

Mr Davie called the decision a “real shock to the organisation” as he discussed the incident during an all-staff call on his final day in the role, BBC News reported.

On Wednesday, the former Radio 2 breakfast host said he had been the subject of “rumour and speculation” since he was sacked, and that he “co-operated fully” with the police investigation, which was closed in 2019 after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Mr Davie, who signed off as director-general on Thursday, had been at the helm of the BBC since 2020 and the broadcaster has faced several controversies in recent years.

When asked if staff culture had changed during his tenure, Mr Davie reportedly said: “It’ll never be fully, fully fixed, but I think it’s changing, I really do.”

Published: 04/04/2026 by Radio NewsHub