BBC Radio 2 has confirmed that Sara Cox will replace Scott Mills as the host of its flagship breakfast show, marking a significant shift in one of Britain’s most listened-to radio slots. The announcement, made public on April 23, 2026, comes just weeks after Mills was removed from the position following the emergence of new information related to a police investigation into alleged historic sexual offences. Cox, who has presented the station’s weekday teatime show since 2019, expressed her excitement at taking over the breakfast slot, describing it as a long-held career ambition.
The transition represents a return to daytime broadcasting for Cox, who first gained national prominence hosting BBC Radio 1’s breakfast show in the early 2000s. Her move from teatime to breakfast will see her address an audience of approximately 6.5 million weekly listeners, according to recent audience figures cited by media outlets covering the announcement. Mills, aged 53 at the time of his departure, had hosted the Radio 2 breakfast show for several years prior to his removal, having built a substantial profile during his three-decade tenure with the BBC.
Cox’s appointment was framed by the broadcaster as both a personal milestone and a continuation of her long-standing relationship with Radio 2. In her initial on-air remarks following the announcement, she said hosting the breakfast show had been “a dream” since she joined the station, adding that the opportunity felt like “a bit of a full circle.” She acknowledged her seven years in the teatime slot as “an absolute blast” and thanked her existing audience for their support, expressing hope that they would join her for the new morning programme.
The BBC indicated that a replacement for Cox in the teatime slot would be announced at a later date, though no timeline was provided for that decision. Gary Davies, who regularly covers daytime programming when main presenters are unavailable, has been temporarily hosting the breakfast show since Mills’ departure. The corporation emphasized that the change was made in response to the specific circumstances surrounding Mills’ exit, rather than as part of a broader schedule overhaul.
Beyond her radio work, Cox has maintained a visible presence in British media through television presenting and charitable endeavours. She made her TV debut in 1996 as co-host of The Girlie Show and later presented the BAFTA red carpet. Her involvement with the Eurovision Song Contest includes serving as a UK commentator, a role she is reportedly set to reprise in 2024 following Mills’ departure from that position. In 2023, Cox raised £11.5 million for Children in Need after completing a 135-mile walking challenge across the UK, a feat widely reported by national news outlets.
The timing of the announcement places it within a period of heightened scrutiny over personal conduct within the broadcasting industry. Although the BBC did not disclose the nature of the information that led to Mills’ removal, it confirmed that the decision followed the receipt of new details related to an ongoing police investigation. No charges have been publicly filed against Mills in connection with the matter, and the broadcaster has not released further specifics regarding the allegations.
Industry observers noted that Cox’s promotion underscores the value the BBC places on continuity and internal talent development. Having joined Radio 2 in 2014 after a stint on Radio 1, she has hosted a variety of programmes across the network, including Sounds of the 80s on Saturday nights before moving into the teatime drivetime slot in 2019. Her experience across different dayparts and formats was cited by colleagues as a strength in taking on the high-visibility breakfast role.
Listeners tuning into Cox’s teatime show on the day of the announcement reported hearing her address the news live on air, where she described feeling “momentarily lost for words” upon being asked to take over the breakfast programme. She characterized her emotional state as a mix of “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed,” phrases she later repeated in interviews with national media. The presenter emphasized that while she was eager to begin her new role, she remained grateful for her time in the teatime slot, which she described as some of the most fulfilling years of her career.
As the BBC prepares for Cox’s official handover to the breakfast show later in 2026, attention will focus on how she shapes the programme’s tone and content. Her predecessor, Scott Mills, was known for a music-led format interspersed with comedy features and celebrity interviews, elements that have become synonymous with the station’s morning offering. Whether Cox will retain similar segments or introduce her own stylistic adjustments remains to be seen, though she indicated in her initial remarks that listeners could expect “excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests.”
The corporation has not announced a precise start date for Cox’s breakfast show, only stating that she will take over “this summer.” Until then, Gary Davies will continue to act as the interim host. No further changes to the Radio 2 lineup have been disclosed, and the BBC said it would provide updates on the teatime vacancy in due course.
For ongoing developments regarding BBC Radio 2’s presentation team and related announcements, audiences are encouraged to consult the broadcaster’s official press releases and programme updates. As always, listener feedback remains a key part of the evaluation process for any schedule adjustments.
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