Sara Cox Launches BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show as Scott Mills Exits Network

Sara Cox has taken over as host of BBC Radio 2's weekday breakfast programme, replacing Scott Mills following his exit from the network. The Bolton-born presenter began her new role on Monday morning, introducing listeners to the expanded platform that reaches the country's largest breakfast audience. Cox previously anchored the station's afternoon slot and has now moved into one of British broadcasting's most prominent positions.

New Role and First Broadcast

Cox opened her inaugural breakfast broadcast by greeting listeners and requesting their engagement, saying "show me some love" as she launched into the expanded 6:30am to 9:30am weekday schedule. She launched the programme with Lizzo's track "About Damn Time" and subsequently played selections reflecting current events, including music celebrating England's 3-2 football victory against Mexico at the World Cup.

During her debut, Cox acknowledged the interim hosting period by thanking Gary Davies, who filled the breakfast slot during the transition period following Mills' removal from air in March. She described Davies as a "legend" who delivered consistent programming during the gap between Mills' departure and her own assumption of the role.

Context of the Transition

Scott Mills was taken off air earlier this year, with circumstances surrounding his departure emerging shortly thereafter. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the 53-year-old presenter in 2016 relating to allegations of serious sexual offences involving a minor between 1997 and 2000. Cox's appointment as permanent replacement was officially announced in April, concluding months of uncertainty surrounding the breakfast show's future direction.

Cox's Broadcasting Background

The new breakfast host brings established experience to the role, having successfully managed BBC Radio 2's afternoon programming schedule. Her transition from the 4pm to 7pm teatime slot represents a significant expansion in her platform and audience reach, cementing her position within the corporation's flagship radio division.

Cox's debut also featured notable guest appearances, with Hollywood actor Tom Hanks appearing on the opening broadcast. Additional musical selections during the premiere included tracks by Queen, Olivia Rodrigo, and CeCe Peniston, establishing the programme's entertainment-focused approach to morning broadcasting.