Vernon Kay joked that he and Sara Cox might need to modify their Bolton accents as the broadcaster prepares to take over BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show. Speaking on his mid-morning programme last week, Vernon welcomed Sara to select the ten songs that have soundtracked her life ahead of launching her new role.
Shared Bolton Roots Prompt Lighthearted Exchange
Reflecting on their shared hometown, Vernon pointed out that although both grew up in Bolton, they came from opposite sides of the town. He said: "Sara will be handing over to myself, so we go from Bolton to Bolton. And it's quite interesting because Sara lived at one end of Bolton and I lived at the other end of Bolton. She was on the east, I was on the west side of Bolton."
Vernon added: "I think we might have to change our accents to make sure that it's not double Bolton on a weekday morning. 'Hiya love, you alright?' That's the greeting that I get every time I see my Auntie Dory and my Auntie Lillian, 'Hiya love'. You wouldn't change it for the world."
Sara Cox Reflects on Career Journey
During the programme, Sara spoke about growing up on her father's farm in Bolton, recalling her childhood before discussing her early modelling career, which included trips to South Korea after being scouted in Paris. Sara, 51, also reflected on landing her breakthrough presenting role on Channel 4's The Girlie Show, hosting the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, interviewing Missy Elliott, dining with Eminem, and the songs she associates with her husband Ben and their children.
Official Launch of Breakfast Show
Sara officially began hosting BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show on Monday, July 6, opening her first programme with Lizzo's About Damn Time before celebrating England's 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico by playing Three Lions. She also appealed to listeners for support as she settled into the role. "It is a Monday. It's my first show, and your favourite DJ, me feeling little bit clingy, as per, and I want some love," she said.
The presenter also shared a story about her husband, Ben Cyzer, whose attempt to avoid learning England's result before watching the match highlights was ruined by celebrating fans outside their home. Sara took time to thank Gary Davies for presenting the breakfast programme in recent months following Scott Mills' departure. She said: "For the past few months, a legend has been doing breakfast, and we can't not say thank you to him this morning. He was parachuted in. He did a proper shift. The one, the only, you love him, Mr Gary Davies."
Permanent Appointment and Fundraising Achievement
Sara was announced as the permanent host of Radio 2's weekday Breakfast Show in April, having previously fronted the station's weekday teatime programme. Last year, she also completed a 135-mile challenge across five days, raising £11.7 million for Children in Need.
