Sara Cox has been announced as the new host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, taking over from Scott Mills, whose contract was terminated last month over allegations about his personal conduct. Cox, currently presenter of the teatime slot from 4pm to 7pm, will move to the breakfast show in the summer.
The BBC has confirmed it was aware of a police investigation into Mills in 2017, but no charges were brought and he remained in his role. The corporation did not specify what new information led to his dismissal, stating only that his contract was ended in line with its “culture and values”.
Cox expressed her excitement, 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: “I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on teatime so thank you to my brilliant teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at breakfast.”
Mills took over the breakfast show in 2025 after Zoe Ball stepped down. According to Rajar figures, his programme was the most listened-to breakfast show in the UK with a weekly audience of 6.47 million between October and December 2025. Radio 2 remains the UK’s most popular radio station.
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.”
Mills has previously commented on the allegations: “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.”
