Sara Cox has disclosed that she auditioned for the role of host on Strictly Come Dancing shortly after being offered the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show job. The Bolton-born broadcaster made the revelation on her Radio 2 Teatime show on Tuesday, May 19, as she congratulated Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe on being announced as the new presenting trio for the popular Saturday night programme.
Cox explained that she tried out for the role two days after receiving the offer for her “number one, all-time dream job” of hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast show. Describing the audition process as “the most gorgeous experience,” she said she was taken to a secret location in a car, likening it to playing the Crystal Maze interactive game. She added that she enjoyed being a “Strictly presenter for an hour” and expressed confidence that the new hosts will be “magnificent.”
The new presenting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure in October 2025 and officially left after the 23rd series in December. The news was confirmed on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official…September 2026.”
Cox was announced as the new Radio 2 Breakfast host last month following Scott Mills’ departure. She currently hosts the teatime show from 4pm to 7pm and will take over the Breakfast slot in the summer. Expressing her excitement, she said she was “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed” to be trusted with the iconic show, describing it as a “full circle” moment in her career.
