Thursday 2 July 2026

Sara Cox opens up on taking over from Scott Mills as she teases 'new show' for BBC Radio 2 slot

WATCH HERE: GB News discusses Scott Mills axe

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GB NEWS

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 30/06/2026

- 00:02

It was announced in April Sara would be taking over the role following Scott Mills' exit

Sara Cox has opened up about her vision for the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, placing listeners at the heart of her plans.

The broadcaster described how "the real stars are still going to be the listeners."


Spekaing to Radio Times, Ms Cox revealed that audience members frequently confide in her during broadcasts, which she considers a great honour.

"People share their deepest feelings on air with me, which is a massive privilege," she explained.

Sara Cox

Sara Cox is replacing Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show

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GETTY

The presenter also unveiled a new segment that will see her telephone a listener each morning.

"We're starting the new show with a feature where we ring someone first thing in the morning. I love the jeopardy of that. I'm nosy," Ms Cox said.

She added that unexpected conversations often reveal surprising stories, noting: "Sometimes you pull a thread and before you know it, you discover the 75-year-old lady you're talking to rides a moped."

Ms Cox takes over from Scott Mills, who departed the programme in late March after being dismissed by the BBC.

Sara Cox

The presenter also unveiled a new segment of the radio show

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The flagship morning slot draws around 6.5 million weekly listeners, making it Britain's most listened-to breakfast radio programme.

Mr Mills had only assumed the role in January 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball.

Gary Davies has been presenting the show on an interim basis since Mr Mills left.

Bolton-born broadcaster Mx Cox, 51, brings considerable experience to the position, having previously helmed BBC Radio 1's breakfast programme in the early 2000s, where she once achieved record-breaking listener numbers.

Scott MillsScott Mills was dismissed by the BBC in March | PA

Her tenure at Radio 2 stretches back approximately 15 years, encompassing shows such as Sounds of the 80s and the late-night weekday programme before she moved to the teatime slot in 2019.

Ms Cox expressed her delight at landing the prestigious position, describing herself as "ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed" when the appointment was announced in April.

The presenter said the opportunity represented the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition.

"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 stated.

Sara Cox

Sara Cox's tenure at Radio 2 stretches back approximately 15 years

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GETTY

Ms Cox also expressed gratitude to those who have tuned in during her teatime years, saying: "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."

Radio 2 controller Helen Thomas praised Ms Cox's "trademark warmth and humour", adding that she "thoroughly deserves this gig".

Ms Cox's appointment came after Mr Mills was dismissed in March following the BBC receiving fresh information connected to a historic police inquiry.

The 53-year-old had been the subject of an investigation between 2016 and 2019 concerning allegations of a sexual offence involving a boy under 16, with the alleged incidents said to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.

The Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges, and the case was closed.

The BBC acknowledged it had been aware of the investigation since 2017 but stated that current management had only recently discovered the individual involved was under 16.

When asked about Mr Mills during her Radio Times interview, Ms Cox declined to elaborate.

"I don't know any more than what's been in the media, so I'm not commenting further," she said.