Inside Sara Cox’s new role as Scott Mills’ replacement: How star reacted to new role, the VERY strict instructions from bosses… and what they said about her predecessor – revealed to KATIE HIND

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After Sara Cox bravely finished her 135-mile marathon to raise money for Children in Need, it was her Radio 2 coworker, Scott Mills, who was there to congratulate her at the finish line.

Sara was thrilled to see her friend, though clearly very tired. Her family were the only other people there to welcome her.

Oh my gosh, it was SO amazing! Even Steve Mills, who’s been friends with her and worked with her for ages, got to reveal the final amount on his Radio 2 show! Can you believe it? Over ten million pounds! He announced it live on air last November, and I was practically screaming with joy. It was such a perfect moment for her, and I’m still buzzing about it!

Just five months after his dismissal due to allegations of past sexual offenses, the BBC has announced that Sara, a long-time radio personality and former presenter of Girlie Show, will take over his former radio slot.

As a longtime listener, I’ve always sensed a special connection between Sara and Scott. Apparently, those around them have too – I read that they’ve been incredibly close friends for years and years. It’s lovely to hear they have such a solid foundation!

He was incredibly honored to meet her after she finished her amazing accomplishment, especially now that she’s taken over his position.

Scott was deeply upset by the news that he was removed from the show, and it’s been a difficult time for him. Now, a friend is taking over hosting duties, and it seems likely he supports her in this role.

Just a month after Mills was fired, the network announced that Sara would be moving to the highly-rated morning show after hosting the weekday evening program for seven years.

Sara, a 51-year-old from Bolton, says landing this new job is a dream come true. She excitedly shared her thoughts on air just 90 minutes after the announcement.

She was thrilled to be asked to host the show, which her friend and former colleague Zoe Ball previously presented for two years before stepping down.

I honestly rarely have nothing to say, but when the BBC asked me to host the Radio 2 breakfast show, I was completely floored! I think they probably just wanted to see if they could finally silence me, haha! But seriously, doing breakfast radio has always been my biggest dream. I’ve been buzzing with energy, just waiting for my chance! I basically spent years shouting, ‘Hello! It’s me, the ‘waiting in the wings’ girl! Can I please do breakfast?!’ It’s incredible!

Sara gave listeners a preview of her new show, explaining it would be similar to her breakfast show – fun and lively, with great music, but enjoyed by people starting their evenings instead of mornings.

Sara talked a lot about her new job, but she didn’t say anything about Mills. People at the BBC say Mills is off-limits, and Sara was likely instructed not to mention him.

When the news of his replacement was made public, Mills, age 53, was spotted near his home in Chorleywood, Buckinghamshire, covering his face with dark sunglasses.

He was joined by his husband, Sam Vaughan, whom friends describe as a constant source of support as he comes to terms with leaving the BBC. They’ve been married for two years.

A friend shared that they’re all very worried about Scott and his well-being.

Sara’s hiring comes after Mills left the BBC following a police investigation into historical sexual offense allegations. Mills had worked with the BBC for thirty years before this new information came to light.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m often asked about understanding context, and in this situation, it’s crucial. The accusations reportedly happened between 1997 and 2000, when the accused was in his mid-20s. Importantly, the person making the claims was a minor – under the age of 16 – at the time these events allegedly occurred.

Okay, so everyone was talking about this investigation, right? I was so sure someone would be held accountable, but apparently the people in charge – the Crown Prosecution Service, or whatever – decided there just wasn’t enough proof to actually charge anyone with a crime. It’s unbelievably frustrating! They said the evidence wasn’t strong enough, and honestly, I just can’t believe it. I was really hoping for justice, but it looks like that’s not happening.

Mills confirmed he had been let go and stated he had worked fully with the police during their investigation.

He explained that because the issue involves an allegation from almost 30 years ago, and the police investigated and closed the case seven years ago, he hopes the public and media will respect his decision not to discuss it further.

Sara’s career has come full circle since she began at Radio 1 in 1999. She started by co-hosting a Saturday lunchtime show with Emma Boughton, then went on to host the breakfast show until 2003, taking over from Zoe, who is now 55.

I’ve been a huge fan of hers for years! She was a fixture at that first station until 2014, and then I was thrilled when she joined Radio 2. I especially loved her ‘Sounds of the 80s’ show, and I was so excited when she took over the drive-time slot from Simon Mayo in 2019 – she’s perfect for it!

She began her television career in 1996 hosting “The Girlie Show” on Channel 4. She later appeared on the Channel 5 entertainment program “Exclusive” and Channel 4’s “Born Sloppy.”

Before becoming known for her interviews on The Big Breakfast – where she famously chatted with celebrities like Robbie Williams and Leonardo DiCaprio while lounging on a bed – she also had a job at MTV.

Sara acknowledges she was very outspoken and bold in her twenties, but she’s become more relaxed over time. She now favors quiet evenings and working out over her previously more lively social life.

Sara is married to Ben Cyzer, who works in advertising, and they live in north London with their two children, Isaac and Renee. Sara also has a daughter, Lola, from a previous marriage to DJ Jon Carter, and Lola lives with them as well.

A friend of Sara’s remembers she used to love going out. Now, her lifestyle is changing drastically – she’ll need to go to bed early because she has to start work incredibly early, around the same time she used to be getting home!

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2026-04-24 03:11