Sara Cox Emerges as Frontrunner for BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show
Veteran broadcaster Sara Cox is reportedly being lined up as the permanent replacement for Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show following Mills' sudden dismissal last month. The 51-year-old presenter, who previously hosted BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show for three years, is widely considered the heir apparent for the prestigious role.
Allegations and Investigation
Scott Mills, 53, was sacked from the BBC after it emerged he had been the subject of allegations concerning serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his mid-twenties.
Police questioned Mills under caution in 2018, but the Crown Prosecution Service declined to bring charges in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. The BBC has acknowledged it was aware of the allegations as early as 2017, though current management only became fully informed about the details, including the complainant's age, in recent weeks.
Internal Reactions and Statements
Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC, informed staff via email last month about Mills' departure, describing the news as sudden and unexpected. She acknowledged the shock felt by colleagues and listeners alike, many of whom had worked with Mills across various BBC programmes over the years.
In a statement issued through his lawyers, Mills confirmed he was the subject of the police investigation and expressed gratitude to supporters. He stated, "I fully cooperated and responded at the time of the police probe," while noting the CPS found the evidence insufficient for charges. Mills has since reportedly withdrawn from public contact, with friends struggling to reach him.
Sara Cox's Candidacy
Industry sources indicate Cox is the leading candidate to take over the Breakfast Show permanently. A source told The Sun, "Sara is the heir apparent for the Breakfast Show job. Since Scott left, she has been the name which has been discussed as the best candidate and everyone at Radio 2 is saying she will be offered it."
Cox's successful tenure hosting the drivetime slot and her previous experience as a Breakfast Show stand-in have bolstered her credentials. The BBC is expected to formalise the appointment this summer, allowing time for the situation to settle.
BBC's Response and Cultural Review
The BBC stated it acted decisively upon obtaining new information about Mills, terminating his contracts in line with organisational values. A spokesperson said, "We set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear that action would be taken if these were not met."
The corporation is reviewing historical emails and HR records to understand what was known during the initial investigation period. Meanwhile, DJ Gary Davies has been temporarily filling the Breakfast Show slot while the search for a permanent host continues.
Other Potential Contenders
While Cox appears to be the frontrunner, other names have been floated as potential replacements, including Rylan Clark and OJ Borg. However, prominent figures like Vernon Kay and Claudia Winkleman have reportedly ruled themselves out of contention. Potential hosts are said to be cautious about appearing overly eager to avoid perceptions of opportunism.
The BBC spokesperson added, "Further news on a permanent replacement will follow in due course," as the broadcaster works to stabilise the popular programme following the unexpected departure.
