While the dust settles after news of Scott Mills' surprise departure from the BBC earlier this month, there is still one question on everyone's lips: who will replace him on BBC Radio 2?
The DJ was let go by the corporation, due to a 2016 police investigation into 'serious sexual offences' against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000. The case was dropped seven years ago due to a lack of evidence, but the broadcasting giant explained the reason for their quick decision was that the current management only became aware in recent weeks that the person involved in the investigation was under 16, and thus, "acted decisively."
Since then, Scott's multiple roles within the BBC have started to be filled, the first being Tyler West, who took over presenting the Race Across the World podcast.
© BBC/Owen ScurfieldIt has been highly speculated who will be Scott's replacement on his highly coveted radio slot, but who is in the running?
Vernon Kay
According to various bookmakers, Vernon Kay is one of the names near the top of the list.
© GettyThe Bolton-born presenter is no stranger to Radio 2 after he took over from Ken Bruce's mid-morning slot in May 2023. Vernon also previously presented his own show on Radio X.
According to the Independent, last month, BBC Radio 2 station head Helen Thomas stated that Kay's programme was "the most listened-to show on UK radio", pulling in 6.7 million listeners each week, which would make him a fine replacement for Scott.
Sara Cox
Another leading name is Sara Cox. Having worked for the BBC since the 90s, Sara is certainly no stranger to live radio, fronting a slew of programmes on BBC Radio 1 between 1999 and 2014, including the breakfast show from 2000 to 2003.
© Getty ImagesSara took over the high-profile slot from Zoe Ball, and subsequently earned Radio 1 its largest breakfast audience ever.
When she left Radio 1, Sara went on to present many different programmes, including the drivetime slot from Simon Mayo in 2019.
