Radio 2 presenter Tina Daheley has left the Breakfast Show following seven years on air. The news journalist was a familiar voice on the programme alongside Scott Mills but has revealed her exit just days before his successor Sara Cox assumes the hosting role.
Writing on Instagram this morning, Tina said: "After more than 7 years of early alarm calls on Radio 2, I'm stepping away from Radio 2 Breakfast. It's been one of the greatest privileges of my life to wake up with you every morning and humbling to have been trusted to deliver the news on the biggest breakfast show in Europe.
"My breakfast run ends at Radio 2, but it started on 1Xtra, where I landed my dream job reading the news on Trevor Nelson's Breakfast Show. From there, I spent a decade broadcasting to 1 in 4 young people in the UK on Radio 1.
"After 18 years and six back-to-back breakfast shows (probably a record in there somewhere), I'm looking forward to a lie-in. Wishing Sara and her team the very best of luck. I'll be tuning in while doing the school run."
"I'm not leaving Radio 2, you'll hear me between 12-2pm when Jeremy's away and you'll see me on BBC One after the summer. Beyond that, watch this space."
Tina was flooded with support after announcing her departure. Dermot O'Leary said: "Congrats Tina, great shift x."
Another listener expressed their gratitude for her contribution to the programme. They wrote: "Thank you for being the calming voice giving us the daily news every morning. We've loved listening to you and your friendship with each and every breakfast show host and their team. All the best."
Meanwhile, Abbie Dewhurst remarked: "Ahhh, Tina. You will not believe how divine you feel with more sleep."
Sara is preparing to succeed the current presenter, with executives confirming the programme will showcase a "fresh format". A Hollywood icon has been secured as her inaugural guest.
Actor Tom Hanks has been confirmed to discuss his upcoming film Toy Story 5 in a significant booking. She's scheduled to assume control of the programme on July 6.
Addressing the announcement, Sara commented: "Roll on the 6th July! For generations to come people will (probably) say 'where were YOU when the Sara Cox Breakfast Show was launched on Radio 2 featuring the legendary Tom Hanks?' (and hopefully they'll reply 'listening and laughing along with a nice brew.')"
Sara revealed details about the launch date during Vernon Kay's Radio 2 programme, following her participation against fellow broadcaster Jeremy Vine in the show's well-known quiz segment, Ten to the Top.
