AceShowbiz - The BBC has officially acknowledged it was aware that Scott Mills, one of its most prominent radio hosts, was under police investigation in 2017.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the broadcaster confirmed knowledge of a probe into Mills concerning serious sexual offense allegations involving a teenage boy. This investigation was active during the time Mills continued to appear on Radio 1, where he was a major figure.

The police case was subsequently closed in 2019 after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to move forward with charges or a court trial. Despite the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, Mills remained on air throughout this period.

Recently, Scott Mills was dismissed by the BBC, though he has not issued any public comment regarding the investigation or his termination.

This admission by the BBC has sparked significant scrutiny over the decision to keep Mills employed and on air while the inquiry was underway. At the time, Ben Cooper held responsibility for Radio 1, and Tony Hall was serving as the BBC's director general.

Questions are now being raised about the internal processes and oversight that allowed a presenter under such serious allegations to maintain a high-profile role within the corporation.