His agent called him at 8 a.m., which was unusual, but DJ Zoe Ball immediately rang and cried. The 51-year-old radio personality had anticipated that his moment might have passed, but he was not. He will debut his breakfast show on Radio 2 on Monday, replacing Radio 1.
In retrospect, Scott openly admits that it was something he had anticipated might never happen, having been told by bosses that he would receive the same slot at Radio 1 only if things didn’t work out.
Recalling the moment in his Hertfordshire home that he shares with husband Sam Vaughan, he says: “My agent called and I went, ‘ Hello, do I need to sit down? ‘ And he went, ‘ Probably yes. ‘
” He was like, ‘ So how do you fancy doing The Radio 2 Breakfast Show? ‘.
“And then I cried in my dressing gown and Sam was upstairs, I said, ‘ Sam, come downstairs, come downstairs. ‘ And, yeah, I fully sobbed.
” It’s a massive gig and that isn’t lost on me at all. And also I think I’ve been on BBC Radio for 25 years.
I remember being a little depressed that I never received The Radio 1 Breakfast Show, but then, if I had been there at the time, would I be where I am now.
I’m receiving a lot of messages from people who say, “I’m 55, and it’s just encouraging for me to see that someone like you is absolutely flying and doing what they have ever done in your lifetime,” I’m told. And I mean, it is true. And this was never a possibility.
“I’m enjoying my career peak at my age”.
Thoughtfully he adds: “I think I’ve played the long game for sure, and I’ve always thought that a little bit I’ll always be the bridesmaid, never the bride, but I’m the bride. It just took a while to get married.
“There’s something about Radio 2 and the fact that you are just following some of my heroes’ footsteps,” one of my friends said.
In a Radio 2 studio, Scott is conversing with me after completing his first full run through of a breakfast dummy run. He acknowledges that despite the fact that it wasn’t perfect, he was content enough to feel at ease if it had been real.
He has a lot of experience, having worked on BBC radio since he was 16 and on radio since he was 20.
And, aside from the obvious first day nerves, Scott is feeling calm after a fantastic 12 months that included his wedding day and winning TV’s Race Across the World with Sam, which started with much fun in Panto last year. At the tail end of the year, he received his lifetime job offer from Radio 2. It was a huge plus.
He says:” 2024 was the best year of my life, 100%, no question about it. Basically, there was only one month’s worth of pure adrenaline roller coasters.
He is certain that Sam’s relationship with him has improved both on and off the airwaves.
” You know what it’s like, in your twenties and sometimes your thirties, me, you haven’t got your stuff together yet and are trying to find a partner or, ‘ I don’t know, what do they want? ‘
“And being wary and because you’re in this business. However, having your husband and dog makes you a better DJ because your life is more routine and scattered all over the place.
Scott describes his ideal Radio 2 Breakfast show as “a mix of brilliant callers who are so fun that your sides hurt from laughing” as well as “me being in absolute top form.”
He claims that he still gets nervous occasionally, and that getting used to that 4am alarm call will take about a week to settle in.
He says his ideal guests would be Rihanna and Beyonce, who both had great quotes in previous chats but have since met before, and Beyonce, who he says has met before.
He adds: “I would love Beyonce on the show. There is a hilarious picture of me and her, but when she was part of Destiny’s Child, Google it, everyone looks terrible. Because it was 2003, I was performing that at Top of the Pops. And it is like”, Oh my God, I’m stood there with Beyoncé, what am I wearing? I’m wearing ripped jeans. “It was 2003, give me a break. She doesn’t look great either, to be fair.
” I would also love, because it’s been years, to speak to Rihanna again because she still, I think, is my favourite interviewee ever.
“She’s always about two hours late, but when she arrives the best interview, some of my best interviews with her because there’s no filter and she just gives great interviews. And I’ve spoken to people right away who I’d like to talk to more in-depth like Elton John, and I’m hoping all of these things will happen on the new show.
” I just need to make sure I get sleep, because Zoe said to me that is the number one priority. “
* The Scott Mills Breakfast show starts Monday 27th January, weekdays 6.30-9.30am on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
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Source: Mirror
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