Sara Cox to Take Over Radio 2 Breakfast Show
DJ Sara Cox has been announced by the BBC as the new host of Radio 2's breakfast show, succeeding Scott Mills.
Cox, originally from Bolton, currently presents the station's teatime show, a role she has held since 2019.
"I'm ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed to be taking over the station's flagship show," Cox said.
"It's been a dream to host the breakfast show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me," she added.
The BBC has stated that the replacement for Cox's current teatime slot will be announced in due course.
Reflecting on her time on the teatime show, Cox said:
"I've had the most glorious seven years of my career on teatime so thank you to my brilliant teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests."
"I honestly can't wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever."
Gary Davies, who often covers daytime programmes during presenter absences, has been hosting Radio 2's breakfast show since Scott Mills was dismissed by the BBC in late March.
Mills was removed following new information related to a police investigation into alleged historic sexual offences.
Significance of the Breakfast Show Role
The Radio 2 breakfast show is considered one of the most high-profile and prestigious positions in British radio, although it is not the station's most listened-to programme.
The mid-morning show, currently hosted by Vernon Kay, has been the UK's most popular radio programme since 2019, a record initially achieved under Kay's predecessor Ken Bruce.
Sara Cox's Broadcasting Career
Before assuming the teatime slot from Simon Mayo in 2019, Cox presented various shows on Radio 2 including Sounds of the 80s and the weekday late-night programme.
The 51-year-old also regularly stood in on the breakfast show during Chris Evans's tenure and previously hosted the Radio 1 breakfast show in the early 2000s.
In addition to radio, Cox has presented several BBC television programmes such as The Great Pottery Throw Down and the book review series Between The Covers.
In 2023, she raised £11.5 million for Children in Need by running the equivalent of five marathons over five consecutive days.
Cox will be the second female to host the Radio 2 breakfast show, following Zoe Ball. The longest-serving presenter of the show was Sir Terry Wogan, who hosted it for over 28 years.
Beginning her career as a model, Cox transitioned into broadcasting in the late 1990s, presenting on MTV as well as shows The Girlie Show and The Big Breakfast.
BBC and Industry Reactions
Radio 2 chief Helen Thomas expressed her enthusiasm for Cox's appointment, stating she was "delighted" and that Cox "thoroughly deserves this gig."
"Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she'll build a brilliant rapport with the breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour," Thomas said. "I can't wait to hear her first show."
Background on Scott Mills' Departure
Scott Mills was investigated by police between 2016 and 2019 following an allegation of a historic sexual offence involving a boy under 16.
The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his mid-20s.
The investigation, which Mills said he fully cooperated with, did not result in criminal charges as the Crown Prosecution Service found insufficient evidence.
The BBC was made aware of the investigation in 2017 but stated that new information emerged recently, leading to Mills' dismissal on 27 March.
Mills issued a statement acknowledging his dismissal and confirming his full cooperation with the police investigation.
"Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter," he said.
He did not address the specifics of the allegations or provide any denial.
