Angela Scanlon to Host Radio 2 Drivetime Show
The Irish personality will take over the weekday afternoon slot from November, while Ben Earle is announced as the new presenter for the station's country music program.
Angela Scanlon will host BBC Radio 2's drivetime show, taking over the weekday 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM slot starting in November. The announcement follows Sara Cox's move to the breakfast show. Scanlon, who previously hosted a Sunday early morning program on Radio 2 from 2018 to 2021, was among several hosts, including Joel Dommett, Jason Manford, Ellie Taylor, Alex Jones, and Gary Davies, who filled in for the drivetime slot after Cox vacated it in May.
Scanlon, known for her television work on shows like The One Show and The Apprentice: Unfinished Business, as well as her participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, expressed her excitement about the new role. "Millions of people, all having completely different days, piling into the same conversation for a few hours - what a strange and lovely thing!" she stated.
She added, "Every weekday, I'll be in your ears, your cars and your kitchens - on the school run, on the way home, or standing at the hob wondering what on earth to feed a small but hungry mob. I want all of it: the stories, the opinions, the chaos, the tiny triumphs and the things you probably shouldn't admit on national radio."
Radio 2 controller Helen Thomas described Scanlon as "incredibly warm and quick witted" and noted her popularity with the audience during her summer fill-in appearances. Thomas emphasized the importance of the drivetime show in setting a positive tone for listeners' evenings and expressed delight that Scanlon will be taking over. Thomas also extended thanks to all the hosts who covered the slot during the transition.
In a separate announcement, Ben Earle has been named the new presenter of Radio 2's weekly country music program, succeeding Bob Harris. Harris, who hosted the show for 27 years, announced his departure in June, shortly after revealing that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine.
Earle, a member of the British country music duo The Shires, has hosted a weekly show on Absolute Radio Country for the past five years. Thomas highlighted Earle's extensive knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for the genre, combined with his experience as a musician and radio presenter, as making him the ideal successor to Harris. "Like Bob, I hope Ben hosts the show for decades to come," Thomas added.