Angela Scanlon has spoken about her feelings on taking over the BBC Radio 2 Drivetime slot from Sara Cox, admitting the new role feels frightening.
Counting down to the new show
Scanlon, who is the station's first Irish female DJ, officially takes over the weekday Drivetime programme from Monday, November 16, airing from 4pm until 7pm. Sara has moved to an earlier slot to host the station's flagship Breakfast Show, and Scanlon is ready to get started after a stint standing in as the show's presenter earlier this year.
Opening up on her new role, Scanlon said: "I've been counting down to this one. From 4pm on Monday November 16, when the day finally exhales, it's you, me and whoever else is lurking in your car, train or kitchen. So whatever kind of day you’ve had, bring it with you, the rants, the wins and the dinner disasters. I’m here for all of it."
Getting to know listeners
Speaking recently on Sara's breakfast show, Scanlon said: "I feel like I had a little summer fling, and it was all fun, but we only got to know the best of each other."
"And I want warts and all, like I want to know the listeners’ dirty little secrets, I can’t wait. We’re going steady now, or at least that’s the plan."
Regular features on the programme will include All Request Friday, which sees Scanlon play listeners’ song choices, as well as reading their stories and dedications.
Frightening and exciting
Speaking to Radio Times about becoming Radio 2's first Irish female DJ, Scanlon said: "It does feel kind of frightening, and also wildly irresponsible to utter ‘Terry Wogan’ in any way related to me!"
"This timeslot feels like the audio equivalent of the golden hour, where you’re at this magic time in people’s lives when they’re moving, downing tools, taking kids home, deciding on dinner. I’d love to play more female artists... make sure that’s part of the fabric of the show."
When her role was announced, Scanlon said: "Taking over Radio 2 Drivetime is properly exciting. Millions of people, all having completely different days, piling into the same conversation for a few hours – what a strange and lovely thing!"
"Every weekday, I’ll be in your ears, your cars and your kitchens – on the school run, on the way home, or standing at the hob wondering what on earth to feed a small but hungry mob. I want all of it, the stories, the opinions, the chaos, the tiny triumphs and the things you probably shouldn’t admit on national radio."
"And to be wedged between Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley – two absolute radio legends – is quite the sandwich. I cannot wait to get stuck in. We’re going to have a lot of fun."
Scanlon made her Radio 2 debut on the Sunday early breakfast show from 2018 to 2021, and has also provided cover for other programmes. Earlier this year, the broadcaster was also part of the BBC’s Eurovision coverage alongside Rylan Clark, hosted The Apprentice spin-off Unfinished Business on BBC Two, and has previously presented ITV’s This Morning.
