Angela Scanlon Appointed Radio 2 Drivetime Host, Replacing Sara Cox

Angela Scanlon will become the new presenter of BBC Radio 2's Drivetime show, stepping in for Sara Cox. The announcement was made Monday, with Scanlon's first broadcast in the 4-7pm weekday slot scheduled for November.

Cox departed the Drivetime show in June after a seven-year tenure to host the Breakfast Show, succeeding Scott Mills. Scanlon has a history with the station, having presented on the Sunday early breakfast show from 2018 to 2021 and frequently stepping in for established presenters.

In 2024, Scanlon took over Graham Norton's Weekend Breakfast slot on Virgin Radio UK. She also hosted Drivetime shows on BBC Radio 2 over the summer, an experience she described as feeling like a "live audition."

Scanlon's television work includes co-hosting the Eurovision coverage, fronting BBC Two's "The Apprentice: Unfinished Business," and regular slots on ITV's "This Morning." She also co-hosts the podcast "Get A Grip."

During the announcement on Cox's Breakfast Show, Scanlon expressed her excitement, joking about joining the "dysfunctional" Radio 2 family and admitting she had to keep the news a secret for several weeks. She recounted squealing with excitement upon receiving the job offer while shopping. "I'm slightly terrified because it's a real job, I've never had one of them," Scanlon said, adding that her summer guest hosting felt like a "summer fling" and she was eager for the more in-depth connection with listeners that the permanent role offers.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, welcomed Scanlon back, citing her warmth, wit, and popularity with listeners during her summer shows. Thomas noted Scanlon's extensive prior experience across television and radio, expressing confidence in her return to the station. "Drivetime is such an important show in terms of ensuring people get home and start their evenings in a positive and upbeat mood, and I'm delighted Angela will be taking up the reins in November," Thomas stated, also thanking the interim hosts.

In other BBC Radio 2 news, Ben Earle has been named the new presenter of "The Radio 2 Country Show," airing Thursday evenings from 9-10pm. Earle, one half of the country duo The Shires, will follow Bob Harris, who presented the show from 1999 until his stepping down earlier this year due to ill health. Earle, who previously covered for Harris in 2019, won the CMA International Country Broadcaster of the Year Award in 2020 and has hosted a show on Absolute Radio Country for five years. He described the opportunity as "coming home" and expressed enthusiasm for featuring both international and homegrown country talent.

Additionally, Ellie Taylor is set to host the Saturday lunchtime show (1-3pm) this autumn while Emma Willis presents "Strictly Come Dancing," and Taylor will also host "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two."