Sara Cox is set to replace Scott Mills as the new host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, the broadcaster has confirmed. The 51-year-old DJ, who currently presents the teatime slot from 4pm to 7pm, will take over the role in the summer.
Emotional Announcement
Cox expressed her excitement, saying: "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."
Background of the Change
Cox steps into the role after Mills was dismissed by the BBC last month. Shortly after his sacking, it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had launched an investigation into the 53-year-old in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000. Gary Davies has been temporarily hosting the breakfast show since Mills was taken off air.
Mills had been with BBC Radio 2 since 2011, moving from Radio 1, and had presented the teatime slot since 2018.
Praise from Radio 2 Leadership
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: "I'm delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 Breakfast Show. 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 £11.5 million for Children in Need on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge and thoroughly deserves this gig. I can't wait to hear her first show."
Colleagues' Reactions
DJ and radio presenter 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."
The new presenter for the teatime slot will be announced in due course.
