Sara Cox has received positive reviews from critics following her debut on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show on Monday. The 51-year-old presenter took over the coveted slot previously held by Scott Mills, whose departure was announced in April.
Critics noted Cox's energetic and playful approach, with The Telegraph awarding her four out of five stars and commending her for bringing "confidence, chaos and a welcome sense of mischief to Britain’s biggest radio slot." The publication's critic, Chris Bennion, described her performance as "a hectic, uplifting three hours of pure, unadulterated Cox," adding that while she displayed some nerves, her presenting style was "charming."
The Independent gave Cox a five-star rating, calling her the "new queen of breakfast radio." The newspaper highlighted her engaging interview with actor Tom Hanks, who appeared on the show to discuss his new film. According to The Independent, Cox successfully "steadied" the BBC Radio 2 ship after a period of turbulence following Mills's exit.
Cox opened her first show with Lizzo's "About Damn Time" and acknowledged the 28-year wait to host the popular program. She later closed the show with Natalie Cole's "Wild Women Do."
While The Times offered a more measured review, awarding three stars, its critic acknowledged Cox's quick wit but found her tone "a little too frenetic, her syntax sometimes garbled." The review suggested that more thought might be needed for the show's structure, stating it "didn't feel a full English."
Conversely, inews praised the show's "mischievous and human" quality, attributing it to Cox's "greatest gift" of balancing lightheartedness with sincerity.
Scott Mills's exit from the Breakfast Show followed allegations of "serious sexual offences" against a teenage boy. The BBC was aware of these allegations as far back as 2017. Mills is reportedly suing the BBC for unfair dismissal, with his legal team arguing he was unfairly terminated and may have been used as a "scapegoat." Sources close to Mills have stated he is devastated and furious about losing his job over an investigation that was dropped years ago.