The BBC has announced its new Eurovision 2026 coverage team following the departure of Scott Mills, who was dismissed after facing historical allegations of sexual offences. The lineup includes Sara Cox, Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon, Graham Norton, and Tia Kofi, as the UK prepares for its 70th anniversary participation in the contest.

Scott Mills' Departure and Allegations

The BBC removed Scott Mills, 53, from his roles, including hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, after accusations of serious sexual misconduct involving a teenage boy under 16. These alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his mid-20s.

The BBC stated it had been aware of the allegations since 2017. Mills was questioned under caution by police in 2018, but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.

New Hosts for Eurovision 2026

Sara Cox, 51, will lead the semi-finals on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Rylan Clark will host television and iPlayer coverage alongside Angela Scanlon.

Graham Norton will return to BBC One for the live finale on Saturday, May 16, where the UK’s entry, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, will perform their song Eins, Zwei, Drei. Norton expressed his excitement, stating, “It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the Grand Final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year.”

Rylan Clark added, “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.” Angela Scanlon shared her enthusiasm, saying, “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.”

Drag Race UK winner Tia Kofi will present the BBC’s digital coverage.

Mills' Response and Support

Scott Mills, who had been a staple of the BBC's Eurovision coverage since 2011, confirmed he fully cooperated with the 2018 police investigation. He stated, “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation…An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.”

He added, “As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges…I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.” Friends have expressed concern for Mills’ mental health, noting his husband, Sam, has been a source of support.