Sara Cox begins her tenure as the new host of BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show today, replacing Scott Mills, who left after allegations of historic sexual offences. The 51-year-old broadcaster, who rose to fame on Channel 4's The Girlie Show and later hosted Radio 1's Breakfast Show, says she is ready for the challenge.
Beating Childhood Bullies
Cox was bullied at school for her height and 'knobbly knees', finding solace in Shakespeare. After achieving success, she assumed her bullies were in the past, but one called into her Radio 1 show live on air, asking for a shoutout. Cox recalled to The Times: 'I was outraged that she thought she could do that like we were friends. Couldn't she remember? That horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, that cortisol bubbling around as you walk up the corridor wondering if you're going to get tripped up or elbowed. The whispering in class. I was, like: Sure, I'll give you a shoutout. And she did. It began with: You were a big bully.'
Cockroaches in Korea and Slimmer Soups
After A-levels, Cox modelled in Paris, Milan, and Seoul. In South Korea, she shared a flat so infested with cockroaches that she had to crush them with her shampoo bottle. She also admitted to 'disordered eating' in the early 1990s, telling Good Housekeeping: 'You smoked a lot of Malboro Lights and survived on slimmer soups and coffee. It wasn't remotely healthy!'
Barmaid to TV Star
Cox worked as a barmaid in Bolton before landing a role on The Girlie Show. The programme featured segments like 'W****r of the Week' and was a hit. However, she embarrassed herself live on air by making a cruel comment about actress Patsy Kensit, saying: 'Your lips are like your knees. They never meet.'
Humbled by Patsy Kensit
Cox later met Kensit at Nobu restaurant, where Kensit waved her over. 'She was so friendly and classy. It was either the ultimate kill-it-with-kindness or she hadn't seen the telly or she just thought I was young and silly and who cares? I've always really respected her after that,' Cox told The Times. She also recalled seeing Liam Gallagher backstage at Top of the Pops after the incident, noting he 'wasn't overly impressed'.
Cox, a mother of three, now takes on one of the biggest roles in British radio, confident and ready for the spotlight.
