BBC Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills offered a masterclass in authentic radio broadcasting at Radiodays Europe 2025 in Athens, sharing stories from his 25-year BBC career and laying out the building blocks behind his hit morning show.
In a headline session titled “Scott Mills Unplugged: The Art of Engaging Radio”, Mills spoke to radio consultant Nik Goodman about finding his voice, building emotional trust with listeners, and making breakfast radio feel like a “family”.
“I wanted to have a morning show that genuinely feels like a family,” he said. “It’s about comfort, not chaos.”
A softer, listener-led style
Mills described the tone of his Radio 2 breakfast show as a conscious shift from his Radio 1 days — less about viral stunts, more about mood-lifting familiarity. His strategy hinges on emotional connection rather than chasing headlines.
He offered examples like a recurring segment where Ellie Brennan tries to befriend a cat named Roger — a quiet, low-stakes story arc that’s become a listener favourite.
“We do it around 6:30, and people text in the next day asking for a Roger update,” he said. “They’re invested.”
Longevity through curiosity
Reflecting on his 24-year run at Radio 1, Mills credited his staying power to an ongoing interest in youth culture. From the rise of Britney Spears to Grime, Mills said he never pretended to be something he wasn’t, but stayed curious about what younger audiences cared about.
“If you’re curious, you’ll never get stale,” he said.
“Innuendo Bingo” and other benchmarks
He also touched on the power of creative “benchmarks” — recurring features that become part of the show’s identity. One of his most iconic was Innuendo Bingo, which began as a joke in a pub and ended up involving celebrities like Gerard Butler and Hugh Jackman.
“Once Gerard said yes, every other publicist said: well, if he can do it…”
Another favourite was Sack of Shame, where a Bluetooth speaker hidden in a backpack would blurt out embarrassing pre-recorded lines in public. “I love being the fall guy,” Mills laughed.
Treating stars like people
Mills also emphasised his unique approach to celebrity interviews — treat everyone the same. Whether it’s Janet Jackson or a Primark cashier called Heev, everyone gets equal billing.
“There’s no hierarchy. I talk to them all the same way — like it’s two people catching up.”
Even with guests who give little back, like a notably awkward interview with Harrison Ford, Mills said the key is to “lean into it” and be honest with the audience.
“That interview went viral, not because it was perfect, but because I acknowledged the awkwardness. And it got 4.1 million views on Instagram.”
Meticulous prep — with room to play
Despite his reputation for informal, flowing radio, Mills said preparation remains critical. He keeps a notebook with backup content for days when “nothing’s happening” and maintains a shared inbox with his team for idea banking.
“Better to be looking at it than looking for it,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of a strong clip setup: “How you introduce a moment makes the difference between it being throwaway and it landing.”
Lessons for the next generation
Mills closed the session with his golden rules for presenters:
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Always speak to one person
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Don’t think you’re bigger than the station
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Be generous with airtime
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Let others speak
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Listen — properly
“You’re the conductor of the orchestra,” he said. “But yours isn’t always the most important voice.”
After nearly three decades on air and six weeks into hosting the UK’s most-listened-to breakfast show, Mills’ message was clear: lasting success isn’t built on ego — it’s built on empathy.
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