BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay apologised to his colleague Sara Cox after he brought up her past 'ladette' persona during the handover between their shows on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Sara recently took over the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show following the sacking of Scott Mills.
On-Air Exchange
Speaking on air, Vernon said: "It's a delight, Coxy." Putting on a mock accent, Sara responded: "Hi, buddy. How are you buried Coxy with a bottle of vodka and 10 deck of Marlboro Lights." Vernon then asked: "Has that gone now," to which Sara admitted it has. She added she is now "rebranded and sensible" though conceded the "sensible bit is not going well."
Sara's Past and Dislike of 'Ladette' Label
During the 1990s, Sara was one of the poster girls for 'ladette' culture, along with Zoe Ball and Denise van Outen. The term 'ladette' was coined to describe young women who engage in laddish behaviour, defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary as: "Young women who behave in a boisterously assertive or crude manner and engage in heavy drinking sessions." However, Sara has previously expressed her dislike for the term. Speaking to Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast, she said: "I've always hated it. But, I think I just hate it, literally, of that collection of letters, where they've cobbled together the word 'ladette'. If they'd have come up with a brand new word, that didn't have the word 'lad in it, then it'd be fine. (A word) which meant women spending their own earnings, having fun, going out with their friends, having independence, not being afraid. Not worried about being glamorous or feminine or ladylike, but actually just being themselves and having a laugh and being really good mates with other girls and supporting." She also told This Morning the term "makes my toes curl now."
Life Now
Sara's life is now very different. She is a married mum-of-three and keen on fitness. Last year, she completed the gruelling Great Northern Marathon challenge, covering 135 miles over five days and raising over £11 million for BBC Children in Need. Her 'Coxy' persona is long gone. Sara got her big break presenting The Girlie Show on Channel 4 in 1996, followed by The Big Breakfast two years later, where she interviewed stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Williams, and Sting.
Apology and Text
Vernon, who like Sara hails from Bolton, Greater Manchester, apologised for bringing up her past. Sara also thanked Vernon for sending a supportive text after her first week presenting the Breakfast Show.
