Sara Cox will replace Scott Mills on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, it’s been announced today (April 23).
Last month (March 30), the BBC announced Scott had been fired from Radio 2 after allegations of sexual assault against a teenage boy. His final show took place a week prior. Gary Davies temporarily stepped in to cover the morning shift.
However, this lunchtime, it was announced that Sara Cox has landed the job.
Sara Cox shares statement as she takes over from Scott Mills on Radio 2 Breakfast Show
In a statement, Sara said she was “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed” to be taking over the station’s flagship show.
“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 added.
The BBC said it would announce who will take over her teatime slot at a later date.
Sara added: “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.”
She concluded: “I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.”
Radio 2 chief Helen Thomas said Sara “thoroughly deserved” the job. She added: “Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she’ll build a brilliant rapport with the breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour,” she said. “I can’t wait to hear her first show.”
Scott Mills latest
The DJ shared a statement about the allegations levelled against him earlier this month.
In it, Mills said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
‘Bring him back!’
News of Sara replacing Scott has drawn backlash. While many don’t doubt her credentials, many are not impressed.
“Oh please, what a nerve. No shade to Sara Cox, lovely woman but you don’t toss Scott Mills out with zero evidence, after the police brought no charges, then expect us to clap for a replacement. It’s not a line-up change, it’s a botched job. Fix your mess and bring him back!!” one user wrote on X.
“Urgh. Can’t we just keep Gary Davis? At least I might be able to listen to drive time again,” a second said. “That’s me done with Radio 2 in the mornings,” said a third.
Others were thrilled for Sara, though. “Sara deserved this years ago – better late than never,” said one. Another added: “She will be brilliant! Well deserved.” “A safe and solid choice,” said a third.
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