Iconic Radio 2 DJ has Greater Manchester town re-named in his honour

In a tribute to radio legend Scott Mills, the town’s iconic train station underwent a complete overnight transformation to mark the launch of Mills’ brand BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show

For one day only, travellers at Stockport station were greeted by altered signage, updated announcement boards, and even heartfelt performances – all dedicated to Scott Mills. The gesture, put together by the show’s travel presenter Ellie Brennan, perfectly captured the excitement surrounding Mills’ first day as host of one of the most coveted radio slots in the UK.

Mills, a beloved figure in British broadcasting with a career spanning 25 years, was left genuinely stunned by the surprise. Speaking live on air, he said, “This is bonkers. I feel like this is a fever dream. Why has this happened?!”

The renaming of Stockport wasn’t the only highlight of Mills’ first show. Messages of support and congratulations poured in from colleagues and celebrities, including Davina McCall and Zoe Ball. McCall praised Mills for his hard work and talent, saying, “I know how much this means to you. I know how hard you have worked throughout your entire career.” Zoe Ball, visibly emotional, added: “I’m so proud of you. You are so born to do this.”

Scott Mills first show on BBC Radio 2

Listeners were treated to the first instalment of Mills’ new feature, The Easiest Quiz on the Radio, as well as heartfelt moments like Pause for Thought, delivered by Reverend Bottley from the newly christened Scottport station.

The celebrations didn’t stop there. Stockport County FC mascot Vernon Bear and the town’s mayor, Suzanne Wyatt, joined the festivities at the station. The mayor enthusiastically embraced the change, saying: “I’m very happy. It makes people smile, and the more we can do to make people smile, the better.”

Adding to the joyful atmosphere, the Northants Sings Out Choir performed a medley of songs with lyrics modified to include “Scott.” A mini Scottport sign was even delivered by train to the Radio 2 studio as a keepsake for Mills.

A career milestone

For Mills, this marked a career-defining moment. He opened the show with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on his journey from a radio-obsessed child to hosting one of the UK’s most coveted radio slots. “As a radio presenter and a radio fan all my life, I’m still finding it hard to process that this is happening,” he said. “If I think too much about the previous occupiers of this show, it becomes mind-blowing.”

Mills emphasised his mission to uplift listeners: “The aim here is to make you smile, to bring up your mood, to make you shoulder and head dance in bed, in the shower, in the car, or in the kitchen.”

The show began with Robbie Williams’ Rock DJ (Better Man version) as the first song, followed by Kylie Minogue’s Spinning Around. Mills later spoke with Williams live on air, who congratulated him and promised to visit the show during his upcoming tour.

Fun facts about Stockport

The day also brought some interesting tidbits about Stockport station to light. Reverend Bottley shared that David Bowie once spent a night sleeping on the station platform in April 1970 after missing his last train home. Mills joked about his new namesake station, adding it to his growing collection of tributes, including a bridge on the M3 motorway named after him.

Listeners and commuters alike were seemed both happy and confused at the gesture, with many taking to social media to share photos of the Scottport signs and their reactions to the surprise.

Scott Mills

Scott Mills has long been a fixture in British radio, having joined Radio 1 in 1998 before moving to Radio 2 in 2022 to replace Steve Wright in the afternoon slot. Now, as the host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Mills carries the torch of a program with a storied history, bringing his signature warmth and humour to millions of listeners.

Reflecting on the day, Mills said: “This might be the best day of my life, apart from getting married.” Judging by the joy and laughter brought to Scottport—and beyond—it seems the listeners agree.