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Friends of Scott Mills have expressed concern after revealing he is not answering their calls following his shocking BBC dismissal. The BBC's decision to axe Mills is linked to a 2016 police investigation into "serious sexual offences" against a teenage boy. Police interviewed Mills under caution, and the case was subsequently dropped due to insufficient evidence.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force. The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to taken place between 1997 and 2000. As part of these enquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was questioned by police under caution in July 2018. A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019."

A close friend revealed to The Mirror that Mills is utterly devastated by the decision to dismiss him following what have been described as "tense" discussions with BBC executives.

"He is facing oblivion," a friend told the publication in a heartbreaking statement. Those closest to him have been left completely blindsided by the events of recent days. Not only were they unaware he had been dismissed, but they were equally in the dark regarding the police investigation back in 2016. Close friends of the radio personality are deeply concerned about his well-being, with the star currently refusing to take any calls.

The Mirror first revealed the news of the presenter's dismissal after BBC staff were notified via email. Lorna Clarke, the BBC's Director of Music, informed staff in an email: "I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.

"Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too. I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I'm able to.

"While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything further now."

In an official statement, the BBC confirmed: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC."

Mills is yet to release a statement following his dismissal.