Sara Cox has revealed that she auditioned to become a host of Strictly Come Dancing, just days after being offered her “dream job” as the new BBC Radio 2 Breakfast presenter. The Bolton-born broadcaster disclosed the news on Tuesday, congratulating Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who were announced as the show’s new presenting trio.
Cox, 51, said on her Radio 2 Teatime show that she tried out for the role two days after being offered the Breakfast slot. “I was like, ‘Oh, I'll go along and try for Strictly as well! Why not? And then, what next, News at 10?’” She described the audition as a “gorgeous experience”, involving a secret car journey to an undisclosed location, likening it to the Crystal Maze interactive game.
The new Strictly hosts will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure in October 2025 and officially left after the 23rd series in December. Among other names rumoured to be in contention were Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh, Amanda Holden and Angela Scanlon.
Cox was announced as the new Radio 2 Breakfast host last month, taking over from Scott Mills. She described the opportunity as “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed”, adding that it had been a dream of hers since joining the station. She will begin the role in the summer.
