Scott Mills has opened up about the devastating loss that sent his life spiralling - revealing how he "derailed" after learning his boyfriend had died from a drug overdose. The 53-year-old DJ said he was told the news shortly after the Brit Awards - a moment that left him battling grief, isolation and alcohol. Scott admitted back in 2012 to Now Magazine: "I felt everything was bleak. I had no friends. My flatmate Fraser was the only person I saw."

At the time, he was hosting an early morning show, forcing him into a punishing routine as he struggled to cope. He said: "I was presenting the early show, so I'd wake up at 2.30am, do the show, come home and go back to sleep. "Then I'd wake up in the evening and drink two bottles of wine or a bottle of spirits in front of the TV. It was a way to escape." The impact of his grief soon spilled into his work - with Scott revealing he even went on air while drunk.

He said: "One morning, I went on air drunk. That could have been a massive f**k-up for me. Even I would've sacked me. But thank God for Radio 1 - they knew about Mitch and why I was having a bad time. It was a proper wake-up call."

As his drinking worsened, help came from an unexpected place. Scott turned to Take That star Robbie Williams, who he says played a crucial role in helping him through his lowest point.

He said: "It's stayed under the radar because that's how I wanted it, but Robbie was someone I could talk to about my drinking."

Opening up about their connection, Scott added: "He's knocked all of his problems on the head. I found talking to him very comforting. I see so much of myself in him - my insecurities, not knowing if you're good enough, the depression and the alcohol."

He also revealed the singer's social circle helped pull him out of isolation, saying: "He holds these amazing quiz nights at his house with Gary Barlow, James Corden, Peter Jones from Dragons' Den and Susie Amy."

The period marked one of the toughest chapters of Scott's career - and it wasn't the only setback he faced.

He later admitted losing his drive-time show after eight years - when he was replaced by Greg James - hit him hard.

Scott said it felt "like a punch in the stomach." Earlier in his career, he also faced challenges behind the scenes at Radio 1, including tensions with fellow presenter Chris Moyles.

Scott said: "He can come across as homophobic, but it's because he's so not, that he thinks it's OK to say some things."

He admitted the situation left him feeling intimidated, adding: "I was quite scared and overwhelmed by him. I dreaded hosting the show before or after him because of what he was going to say."

Eventually, Scott decided to confront the issue head-on. He said: "I went in one day and said: 'What's your problem?' When I confronted him, he was an absolute puppy dog."

If you've been affected by anything in this story, you can contact the Samaritans for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org.