Sara Cox fans, breathe easy. The beloved broadcaster isn’t leaving BBC Radio 2. She’s simply moved to a bigger stage. After seven and a half years hosting the station’s Drivetime show, Cox has taken over the flagship Breakfast Show, and her old slot is now being filled by Angela Scanlon. Here’s everything you need to know about the shake-up.
The Short Answer: No, She’s Not Leaving
Sara Cox remains a central figure at BBC Radio 2. In July 2026, she was promoted from Drivetime to the Breakfast Show, replacing Scott Mills after his contract was terminated. The move was a significant step up for Cox, who had hosted the 4pm to 7pm slot since 2018.
Radio 2 controller Helen Thomas confirmed the transition in a statement, thanking Cox for her years on Drivetime and welcoming her to mornings.
Why Sara Cox Left Drivetime
Cox’s exit from Drivetime wasn’t a departure from the station. It was a promotion. When Scott Mills was sacked in March 2026 following a Metropolitan Police investigation into historic allegations of serious sexual offences, the BBC needed a safe, experienced hand for its flagship morning show.
Cox was the obvious choice. She had spent nearly eight years building a loyal audience in the afternoon slot and was already a familiar voice to millions of Radio 2 listeners. In her own words, the move felt like a “full circle” moment.
Angela Scanlon Takes the Reins
Angela Scanlon has officially been named the new host of Radio 2 Drivetime, starting in November 2026. Scanlon, an Irish presenter known for The One Show, This Morning, and her 2023 Strictly Come Dancing stint, had been covering the slot throughout the summer as one of several guest hosts.
She described her temporary run as a “little summer fling” that turned into something permanent. “We only got to know the best of each other,” she joked. “I want warts and all.”
Radio 2’s Helen Thomas called Scanlon “incredibly warm and quick witted” and said she “proved to be extremely popular with the Radio 2 audience this summer.”
What’s Next for Sara Cox
Cox is now settling into the Breakfast Show, which airs weekdays from 6:30am to 9:30am. She’s also confirmed she’ll remain a regular stand-in host on BBC’s Morning Live, saying she will “always be a part of” the daytime programme.
Her first week on Breakfast featured guests including Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The Bottom Line
Sara Cox has not left BBC Radio 2. She’s moved from Drivetime to Breakfast, a promotion that puts her at the helm of one of the most listened-to shows in British radio. Angela Scanlon now takes over the afternoon slot, bringing her own warmth and wit to the commute home. For Cox fans, the only change is the time of day. She’s still there, just earlier.
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