Sara Cox is set to take over as the new host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, replacing Scott Mills after his sacking over allegations about his personal conduct. Cox, who currently hosts the teatime slot from 4pm to 7pm, will move to the breakfast programme in the summer.
The BBC confirmed it was first made aware of a 2017 police investigation into Mills over allegations of sexual abuse. No charges were brought, and Mills remained in his role until last month, when the corporation terminated his contract in accordance with its “culture and values”. The BBC did not disclose what fresh information prompted the action.
Mills took over the breakfast show in 2025 after Zoe Ball stepped down. Cox expressed her excitement on Thursday, saying: “There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed.” She added: “It’s been a dream to host the breakfast show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “I’m delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 breakfast show. Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she’ll build a brilliant rapport with the breakfast audience.”
Latest Rajar figures showed Radio 2 remains the UK’s most popular station, with Mills’s breakfast show attracting a weekly audience of 6.47 million between October and December 2025. Mills has previously said he hopes the public and media will respect his wish not to comment further on the allegations.
