Sara Cox made her debut as the new host of BBC Radio 2's breakfast show on Monday, delivering a performance that many listeners and critics are calling a masterclass in radio. The show comes just months after Scott Mills was sacked from the network following revelations about his 2017 police investigation.
A Triumphant Start
Cox, 51, kicked off her first show at 6:31am with an infectious energy. "It is 6:31am. It's The Sara Cox Breakfast Show!" she announced, before playing Lizzo's About Damn Time and Cece Peniston's Finally to mark the occasion. The veteran broadcaster, who has been on air since 1999, seemed to effortlessly fill the slot that had been left vacant after Mills' departure in April.
Listeners quickly took to social media to express their approval. One wrote: "You nailed it this morning @djsaracox. We'll be tuning in every morning, sorry local BBC." Another added: "Thank you for a fun morning @djsaracox." A third listener from Ireland said: "Best of luck with the new show. Sara listened to you from Ireland this morning." And another fan commented: "Great 'first show' Sara, I knew it would be, and Tom Hanks was 'the icing on the cake'. Can't wait to listen in tomorrow morning."
The Scott Mills Scandal
Cox's appointment came after Scott Mills was fired by the BBC in April. The sacking followed revelations that the alleged victim in a 2017 police investigation involving Mills was under 16 at the time. Mills had previously been investigated by police but no charges were brought. However, the BBC's internal review led to his dismissal.
Although Cox did not directly address Mills' firing, she made a subtle reference during her debut. She quipped: "No message in the music, don't be silly! No, come on, that's too self-indulgent," before playing a snippet of Etta James's At Last.
Tom Hanks Joins the Show
Cox's first guest was Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, who joined her to promote the upcoming Toy Story 5. During the interview, Cox expertly redirected the actor when he strayed off-topic, focusing on the film, his co-stars, and its unorthodox storyline. She also managed to get Hanks to record a special message for two non-verbal brothers who used the character Woody to develop their communication skills. Hanks, stepping back into his role as Woody, said: "Sara, you've got a friend in me."
The interview showcased Cox's ability to balance celebrity guests with listener engagement, a skill that many believe should have landed her the breakfast show slot years ago, perhaps directly after Zoe Ball's tenure.
A Contrast with Mills' Final Days
The successful debut stood in stark contrast to the controversies that marred Mills' final months at the network. In a separate incident, Mills was forced to issue an apology for his "dirty" laugh after a listener complained that it frightened her horse, causing it to drag her across the floor. The incident highlighted the growing scrutiny Mills faced before his dismissal.
With Cox now at the helm, BBC Radio 2's breakfast show appears to have found a steady and beloved host. Her debut not only entertained but also signaled a new chapter for the network, leaving the Scott Mills era firmly in the past.
