The BBC has confirmed that Irish broadcaster and former Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon will replace Scott Mills as co-host of the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals in 2026. The announcement comes after Mills was dismissed by the BBC last month over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy, dating back to the late 1990s.
Scott Mills' Dismissal
Scott Mills, 53, was questioned by the Metropolitan Police in 2018 over alleged offences against a minor under 16 between 1997 and 2000. The investigation was closed in May 2019 due to insufficient evidence. Despite being aware of the matter since 2017, the BBC reportedly fired Mills upon learning the age of the alleged victim. Outgoing director general Tim Davie stated it was 'very clear' he had to go. Mills has since remained out of the public eye, releasing only one statement expressing his hope for privacy.
Angela Scanlon's New Role
Angela Scanlon, 42, known for her work on The One Show and finishing sixth on Strictly in 2023, will join returning commentator Rylan Clark to host the live semi-finals from the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. The semi-finals will air on BBC One and iPlayer on May 12 and 14, with the grand final on May 16. Scanlon expressed her excitement, calling it 'the greatest party on earth' and recalling childhood memories of watching Eurovision with her sisters.
Other Eurovision Coverage
Sara Cox will provide radio coverage for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, while Graham Norton returns to commentate on the grand final. The UK's entry this year is Sam Battle, performing as Look Mum No Computer, with the song "Eins, Zwei, Drei." The competition marks Eurovision's 70th anniversary.
