Sara Cox has opened up about taking over the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Scott Mills, expressing readiness for the challenge ahead of her debut on July 6, where she will be joined by Hollywood star Tom Hanks.
Cox Feels Ready for New Challenge
The 51-year-old broadcaster, who was announced as the new host in April, said she is not nervous about the high-profile role. 'It's huge but I'm ready,' she declared in an interview with The Times. 'I might have to bury my phone in my neighbour's sandpit a couple of days before because I don't like people texting me good luck, but the minute I open my mic, I'll be fine.'
Cox, who has been in radio for 28 years, added: 'I'm not nervous because I know I can do a good job. I don't want to sound arrogant but I've been doing radio for 28 years now.' She explained that after seven years on her drivetime show, she was 'starting to feel ready for another challenge' and 'something new and a bit scary because I quite like that feeling.'
Scott Mills' Exit and Police Investigation
Cox's predecessor, Scott Mills, was sacked by the BBC in March after the corporation learned the full extent of a police investigation into historical sexual offence allegations. The 53-year-old was interviewed by police in 2018 under caution after being accused of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16. A file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided there was insufficient evidence to charge him.
The BBC stated they were aware of the investigation but 'new information' emerged, reportedly that the accuser was under 16 at the time of the alleged offences. When asked about Mills' dismissal, Cox said: 'I know no more than you do about the whole thing.'
Mills Plans to Sue for Unfair Dismissal
The Mirror exclusively revealed that Mills has enlisted top lawyers to lodge a case against the BBC for unfair dismissal. He is expected to claim he disclosed the full details of the police probe, including the accuser's age, to Radio 1 bosses at the time. Following his departure, Mills issued a statement via lawyers thanking well-wishers, saying: 'I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.'
He added: 'The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.' He asked the public and media to respect his wish not to comment further.
