Sara Cox's start date for her new breakfast show has been revealed, with a Hollywood icon confirmed as her first guest. New details about the eagerly-awaited programme, including a 'fresh format,' have been unveiled for the first time.
Sara Cox Takes Over from Scott Mills
Sara Cox will be taking over the hosting gig from Scott Mills after he was sacked by the BBC back in March. Since then, producers have been looking at ways to draw listeners back to the show and have lined up veteran broadcaster Sara.
Now, more details about how the show will be run have been revealed. Sara is set to be joined by a huge acting star when she takes to the airwaves as a permanent presenter.
Tom Hanks as First Guest
Actor Tom Hanks is set to discuss his latest film, Toy Story 5, in a major coup for the show, which is due to kick off on Monday, July 6. Sara could barely contain her excitement as she broke the news, according to the Mirror.
An excited Sara said: '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.")'
Launch Date Revealed
Sara revealed the launch date during Vernon Kay's Radio 2 show. This came after she competed against fellow presenter Jeremy Vine in the programme's popular quiz, Ten to the Top. BBC chiefs have promised that her new show will 'feature a fresh new format, packed with all the fun and games you expect with Sara, with the listeners at the heart of the show.'
They added: 'She will be bringing all your favourite bits from the afternoon, alongside plenty of brand-new breakfast treats to start your day. Plus, she'll welcome some of the world's biggest stars into her studio for exclusive chats and memorable moments.'
Background on Scott Mills' Dismissal
Sara secured the role following the dismissal of Scott Mills. He was let go after the BBC discovered that the subject of a police investigation involving him was under 16 at the time of the alleged offences.
In a statement after he was fired, Scott reiterated that he denied all the allegations. He said: '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 cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
'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. 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.'
