Sara Cox has officially replaced Scott Mills as the host of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, ending weeks of speculation over who would take over the coveted slot. Mills, 53, was dismissed from his role last month after details emerged of a 2016 police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16, dating back to between 1997 and 2000.
Cox's Statement on Her New Role
Cox, 51, will move from her weekday teatime programme to the breakfast slot this summer. In a statement, she expressed her excitement: '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. It's been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.'
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 for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests. I honestly can't wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.'
Reactions from Colleagues
DJ Trevor Nelson announced the news on BBC Radio 2, saying: 'We've just heard the news that our very own Sara Cox will be the brand new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show! You are gonna smash it girl. So well deserved. Absolutely love her on radio, and she's gonna smash it.'
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, also shared her delight: '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 and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour. She captured the hearts of the country last November, raising a staggering £11.5m for Children in Need on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge and thoroughly deserves this gig. I can't wait to hear her first show.'
Cox's Career Journey
Cox has been a staple of the airwaves since joining the BBC in 1999. She took over from Zoe Ball on Radio 1 Breakfast the following year. In 2011, she moved to Radio 2 to cover Hot Gossip before landing the Sounds of the 80s show. Four years later, she secured the weekday afternoon slot, where she has remained ever since.
Scott Mills' Departure
Mills' contract was terminated after bosses learned the full extent of a police investigation into him. He was interviewed under caution over accusations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16. He has kept a low profile since his exit but previously released a statement: 'I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.'
He continued: 'The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.' He added: '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.'
