Sara Cox has been handed a major new television deal by the BBC, just days after being named the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. The 51-year-old presenter will front an expanded run of her hit series, The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, with the number of episodes more than doubling from eight to 20, and each episode extended from 30 to 45 minutes.
The BBC One crafting show, which launched last year, has been recommissioned in what insiders describe as a “huge vote of confidence” in Cox. A BBC source said: “This is a massive show of faith in Sara who is going down a storm with audiences – and the BBC is backing her all the way.” The programme is seen as a potential successor to The Repair Shop.
The series features Cox and a team of expert miniaturists recreating cherished buildings and locations tied to contributors’ personal histories. Cox said: “I’m absolutely over the moon about the new series of Marvellous Miniature Workshop, it’s easily the most heartwarming and wonderful programme I’ve ever been involved with.”
The show, nominated for a Royal Television Society award earlier this year, is produced by EarlyBird, the production company founded by Dom Bird. Bird, executive producer of Gladiators and The Apprentice, said: “I’m delighted Sara’s returning to BBC One for this new run. These extended 45-minute episodes will enable Sara to immerse viewers even further into the extraordinary artistry of our miniaturists.”
Rachel Platt, commissioning editor for BBC Daytime, added: “We’re delighted to be able to bring back this absolute treat of a series with an extended run and run time. Sometimes small things need bigger packages.” The deal follows Cox’s appointment as Radio 2’s second female breakfast host, after Zoe Ball.
