Sara Cox is set to become the new host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, replacing Scott Mills after his dismissal over allegations regarding his personal conduct. The announcement has placed the BBC under increased scrutiny regarding its knowledge and handling of a 2017 police investigation into Mills concerning allegations of sexual abuse. The corporation has acknowledged that it was first informed of the police investigation in 2017. No charges were ever filed, and Mills continued in his role at the time.
Last month, the BBC terminated Mills's contract, citing a breach of its culture and values. The broadcaster has not disclosed what new information led to this decision. Mills had taken over the breakfast show in 2025 following the departure of longtime host Zoe Ball. Cox, who currently hosts the teatime show from 4pm to 7pm, will move to the breakfast slot this summer.
Expressing her excitement, Cox said on Thursday: There are not enough adjectives to truly capture how I feel about being entrusted with such an iconic show, but let's start with ecstatic, honored, and incredibly chuffed. Hosting the breakfast show has been a dream since I joined Radio 2, and it feels like a full-circle moment for me. I have had the most wonderful seven years of my career on teatime, so thank you to my brilliant teatime listeners, who I hope will join me at breakfast for excellent music, my usual nonsense, and some superstar guests. I honestly cannot wait to wake the nation with the biggest, most fun breakfast show ever.
According to the latest industry figures from Rajar, published in February, Radio 2 remains the UK's most popular radio station. Mills's breakfast show was the most listened-to in the UK, with a weekly audience of 6.47 million between October and December 2025.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, commented: I am delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 breakfast show. Sara is adored by her millions of teatime listeners, and having regularly deputized in the slot, I know she will build a brilliant rapport with the breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humor.
Regarding the allegations against him, Mills has previously stated: Since the investigation relates to an allegation dating back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope the public and media will understand and respect my wish not to make further public comment. 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, whom I greatly miss.
