The popular presenter expresses excitement about her new role, which she calls a 'dream' come true.
Category: Arts & Culture
Sara Cox has been announced as the new host of the weekday Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most popular single radio station, following the abrupt departure of Scott Mills. The BBC confirmed the change on April 18, 2026, stating that Cox would take over the show, which attracts 6.5 million listeners each week, starting this summer.
Cox, who has been a fixture on BBC radio for over 25 years, expressed her excitement about the new role, 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." Currently, she hosts the station’s weekday Teatime show, a position she has held since 2019.
The transition comes after Mills was fired at the end of March 2026 following revelations linked to a police investigation concerning historical allegations of sexual offences. The BBC stated that it had received new information related to the case, leading to decisive action. Mills had been a prominent figure at the BBC for nearly 30 years and was well-regarded for his contributions to the network.
Mills' departure from the Breakfast Show was sudden and has raised questions about the BBC’s handling of allegations against its presenters. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Mills was questioned in 2018 over allegations involving a boy under 16, relating to incidents reported to have occurred between 1997 and 2000. The investigation, which began in 2016, was closed in 2019 without charges being filed. Mills publicly stated that he had fully cooperated with the police and expressed his disappointment over the circumstances surrounding his exit.
In the aftermath of Mills' departure, Gary Davies has been filling in as the host of the Breakfast Show. His interim role has been well-received, but the announcement of Cox's appointment has generated considerable excitement among listeners and industry insiders alike. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Cox’s rapport with her audience and highlighted her impressive charity work, including raising £11.5 million for Children in Need through her Great Northern Marathon Challenge in November 2025.
Cox's career at the BBC began in 1999 when she joined Radio 1. She hosted the Radio 1 Breakfast Show from 2000 until 2003 and has since presented various shows across both Radio 1 and Radio 2. In 2011, she joined Radio 2, where she has become a beloved figure, particularly noted for her warmth and humor during her Teatime show.
Cox's transition to the Breakfast Show is anticipated to be smooth, as she has previously deputized in the slot and is familiar with the format and audience. She expressed gratitude to her Teatime listeners, hoping they will follow her to the Breakfast Show, promising "excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests." This approach aligns with her established style, which has resonated well with listeners.
The BBC has not yet announced who will take over the Teatime slot following Cox's departure. The station remains the most popular radio channel in the UK, boasting a weekly audience of 12.7 million, and it is known for its diverse music mix catering to adults over 35. With Cox at the helm of the Breakfast Show, expectations are high for continued listener engagement and growth.
As Cox prepares for her new role, she has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement. Her previous fundraising efforts, including a 24-hour 80s Dance Challenge for Comic Relief in 2017 that raised £1.2 million, showcase her dedication to using her platform for positive impact.
With the first show scheduled for this summer, listeners are eager to see how Cox will bring her unique flair to the Breakfast Show. Helen Thomas stated, "I can’t wait to hear her first show," indicating the high expectations placed on Cox as she steps into this prestigious role.
The upcoming months will be a period of transition for both Cox and Radio 2, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this change. As the station continues to adapt to the shifting media environment, Cox's appointment marks a new chapter in its storied history.
Listeners can look forward to the debut of Sara Cox's Breakfast Show, which promises to deliver a blend of music, humor, and engaging conversations that have become the hallmark of her broadcasting style. Her first show is set to air in the summer of 2026, marking a new beginning for both the presenter and the iconic program.