Scott Mills on his panto return

Round & About

Liz Nicholls chats to radio presenter Scott Mills who stars in Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s Wycombe Swan pantomime

Q. This isn’t your first rodeo, is it? It’s your third panto! “Yes, it was Vernon Kay who got me into it actually. He said, ‘Honestly, this is right up your street. You’re going to love it.’ I was sceptical at first because it’s not in my comfort zone – you have to act and sing and do things that terrify me! But I like to push myself. That’s why I did Strictly Come Dancing and Race Across the World last year – and we won! I did Leicester first, which was terrifying, then Swansea, and now here we are again. Third time lucky.” 

Q. You mentioned singing – how’s that going? “They do make me sing! Including a solo song. I’ve had a couple of singing lessons and I think I’ll be better this year.” 

Q. What do you love most about Christmas at home? “We go early because my husband Sam is so into Christmas. I like it, but he absolutely loves it. So, I’ll come home from the radio show one day in November and it’ll be like a winter wonderland. Even his mum comes down to do the tree – it’s serious business.” 

Q. What about Christmas food? “No, Sam loves cooking. I’ll just be enjoying it! Only one day off from panto, so I make the most of it.” 

Q. You’ve mentioned performing doesn’t come naturally to you… “Yeah, I was a shy kid growing up in Southampton. That kid wouldn’t believe it if he saw me now, on stage! I’m not a naturally confident person. A lot of radio presenters are introverts. DJing live doesn’t scare me because I’ve done that for years, but acting, singing… that’s another level. People say ‘Oh, it’s only panto,’ but you’re part of a team, and you don’t want to be the one letting everyone down.” 

Q. How did you get the hang of learning lines? “In my first year I really struggled. I rang [EastEnders star] Natalie Cassidy and said ‘Help me!’ She told me to write the lines out by hand, and that really worked. In Leicester I was hopeless, but I hope to match Mark from A1 and LaVoix this year and be great!” 

Q. It’s a superb cast! Who are your dream panto co-stars? “I’ve always wanted to work with a drag act because they’re hilarious, a bit vicious and I love that humour. La Voix is brilliant – I’ve followed her since RuPaul’s Drag Race. I also love the panto legends Brian Conley and Julian Clary.” 

Q. What’s your first memory of music? “Definitely radio. I pretended to be on Radio 1 as a kid. First album: Michael Jackson’s Thriller. By age 11, DJing in local social clubs. At 12, I joined hospital radio – I’ve basically been on air all my life!” 

Q. If I could give you some magic beans, what would you wish for? “I wish everyone could taste how delicious Taylor Swift’s sourdough bread is! She brought me some last week. I’ve met a few people who get her bread delivered, including Stanley Tucci and Channing Tatum. She bakes because she can’t really leave the house, but her bread is so so good.” 

Q. You’ve had incredible guests on your Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Ever been starstruck? “I met Bruce Springsteen yesterday. I was so nervous! He’s one of the few surviving rock idols. I’m a pop boy really, but I’ve got so much respect for him. His new biopic is incredible, parts of it are quite dark.” 

Q. Who are your dream interviewees for 2026? “Madonna. She’s top of the list. I always thought it would never be possible, but she’s started doing interviews again. Apparently, she can be tricky, but I’ve done Harrison Ford – he was… tough – so I think I can handle Madonna! We’ve had some amazing guests this year; Austin Butler, Ncuti Gatwa. I just want to make the Breakfast Show even bigger and better.”