After a month of uncertainty, the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show has officially declared Sara Cox as its new host.
Sara, who currently hosts the station's weekday Teatime show, takes over from long-running host Scott Mills after he was sacked from the BBC following allegations regarding his personal conduct.
© Getty ImagesSpeaking on the news of her new appointment, Sara, 51, said: "There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I'm feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let's start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed. It's been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.
© Dave Benett/Getty Images"I've had the most glorious seven years of my career on Teatime so thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests. I honestly can't wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever."
BBC listeners have been eagerly awaiting the news of Scott's replacement after Gary Davies took over at the end of March, with his and Vernon Kay's name circulating as possible replacements.
Sara is sure to provide a safe pair of hands, having started her BBC radio career when she joined BBC Radio 1 in 1999. After presenting the Saturday lunchtime show, she then began presenting the Radio 1 Breakfast Show until December 2003.
What has the BBC said?
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, released a statement that read: "I'm delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
"Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at Teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she'll build a brilliant rapport with the Breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour.
"She captured the hearts of the country last November, raising a staggering £11.5m for Children in Need on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge and thoroughly deserves this gig. I can't wait to hear her first show."
What happened to Scott Mills?
Scott was let go from the BBC back on 30 March, following allegations regarding his personal conduct. In a statement, the BBC said: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC."
The 53-year old signed off for his last show on Tuesday 24 March, saying: "See you tomorrow." However, the next morning, Gary Davies appeared on air explaining he was filling in for the usual host.
© Getty ImagesIt transpired that Scott had been previously questioned by the police over "sexual serious allegations" against a boy aged under 16, which occurred between 1997 and 2000. The case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Two days after his sacking, Scott released a statement that read: "The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
"An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges."
© Mike Marsland/WireImageHe continued: "Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
"I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss."
