Future of 'Race Across The World' Podcast Uncertain After Scott Mills' Departure

The unexpected departure of Scott Mills from the BBC has created uncertainty about the future of a planned podcast to accompany the sixth season of 'Race Across the World', scheduled to launch in 2026.

Mills, known for his radio career, was fired on Monday after a complaint related to a police investigation into alleged serious sexual offenses against a minor under 16 years of age. The presenter, who earned between £315,000 and £319,999 in 2025, had replaced Zoe Ball on the 'Radio 2 Breakfast Show'.

The news has put the launch of 'The Detour' podcast, which was to be hosted by Mills along with Alfie Watts, winner of the civilian series of 'Race Across the World' in 2024, in jeopardy. Mills and his husband Sam Vaughan won the 2024 celebrity version, traveling over 12,500 kilometers from Belém, Brazil, to Frutillar, Chile.

Alfie Watts, who won the fourth civilian series of 'Race Across the World' in 2024 with his best friend Owen Wood, was also involved in the podcast project. The pair completed a 15,000-kilometer route from Japan to Indonesia, becoming the youngest winners of the competition.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed to 'The Mirror' that an investigation into Mills began in December 2016 following a referral from another police force, related to allegations of serious sexual offenses against a minor. The investigation was closed in May 2019 after determining that the evidential threshold for bringing charges had not been met. A man in his 40s was questioned under caution in July 2018.

The allegations, which did not result in charges, reportedly took place between 1997 and 2000. The BBC issued a statement confirming that Scott Mills was no longer contracted by the network. Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, informed staff that Mills had left the 'Breakfast show' and the BBC.

Before the premiere of the civilian series of 'Race Across the World', the fate of the spin-off podcast has yet to be decided. In the most recent Celebrity version, Roman Kemp and his sister Harley Moon won the race from Mexico to Colombia. The new civilian series will see contestants travel 12,000km from Palermo, Italy, to Hatgal, Mongolia, crossing eight countries.

The current situation raises doubts about the future of the podcast, which was expected to offer an inside perspective on the dynamics and challenges presented in the new season of 'Race Across the World'. The possible cancellation of the podcast leaves a void in the program's coverage and affects the plans of Alfie Watts, who was ready to co-host.

Uncertainty hangs over the project as fans await news about the fate of the podcast and the continuity of the program's coverage. Metro has contacted the BBC for comment on the situation.