Angela Scanlon shocks listeners, seizes Drivetime slot from Sara Cox

Angela Scanlon will take over the 4‑7 p.m. *Drivetime* slot on BBC Radio 2, a move announced on Monday that sets her up to begin in November. The change follows Sara Cox’s departure from the show last June, when she was promoted to host the Breakfast Show after Scott Mills was dismissed.

Scanlon’s first full‑time broadcast will see her replace Cox, who had been a mainstay for seven years.

The announcement came after months of speculation about a long‑term slot for Scanlon. She has already been a frequent guest on Radio 2 for eight years, debuting on the Sunday early breakfast show between 2018 and 2021.

Her experience now spans radio, television and podcasting, making her a versatile choice for the afternoon drive‑time audience.

Scanlon’s new role follows a summer stint hosting *Drivetime* with Joel Dommett and a succession of high‑profile TV gigs, including co‑presenting Eurovision coverage and fronting BBC Two’s “The Apprentice:

Unfinished Business.” Her portfolio also includes the popular podcast “Get A Grip” and regular spots on ITV’s “This Morning,” all of which underscore her broad media appeal.

## What Happened

On Monday, Sara Cox greeted Scanlon live on the Breakfast Show, saying, “welcome to the Radio 2 daytime family girl!” Scanlon replied, “Oh my god, what a family to join, as dysfunctional as me own.” She then described how she had been keeping the secret for weeks and told a few close friends before “subsequently gagged them.”

When asked about her summer guest‑host days, Scanlon said she “squealed” when the phone call came while shopping in John Lewis.

She added that the experience felt like a “summer fling,” and that she wanted to know the listeners’ “dirty little secrets.” Cox commented that the summer shows had indeed felt like a live audition, noting her own impression of Scanlon’s performance.

Scanlon also shared that, as a mother of eight‑year‑old Ruby and four‑year‑old Marnie, she would miss “helping with the kids’ homework and witching hour.” “I’ll just be home for a little sweaty snuggle,” she agreed, underscoring the balance she plans to maintain while hosting.

## Background & Context

Scanlon’s journey to *Drivetime* began on Radio 2’s Sunday early breakfast programme from 2018 through 2021, establishing her as a familiar voice on the network. In 2024, she took over Virgin Radio UK’s coveted Weekend Breakfast slot, succeeding Graham Norton.

The summer of 2025 saw her co‑host *Drivetime* with Joel Dommett, a role she admitted felt like a “live audition” for the permanent position.

Beyond radio, Scanlon’s television résumé includes co‑presenting Eurovision coverage with Rylan Clark and hosting the BBC Two series “The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.” Her podcast, “Get A Grip,” has reached chart‑topping status, and she regularly appears on ITV’s “This Morning,” showcasing her ability to engage diverse audiences.

Scanlon’s blend of radio experience, television visibility and podcast success positions her uniquely for the high‑traffic *Drivetime* slot. Her familiarity with Radio 2’s audience, combined with fresh energy from her recent ventures, suggests a promising fit for the 4‑7 p.m. time frame.

### From Indie Singer to Radio Powerhouse

Before her media career took off, Scanlon was a self‑made indie pop star in her late teens, posting covers and original songs on YouTube. That platform launched her into the public eye, and she soon caught the attention of talent scouts.

A stint in a small London theatre company polished her live‑performance skills, while a brief period working behind the scenes at BBC Studios taught her the technical side of broadcasting. It was this mix of on‑stage confidence and studio savvy that made her an instant hit when she joined Radio 2.

### The Drivetime Legacy

*Drivetime* has been one of Radio 2’s flagship programmes for decades, traditionally anchored by a charismatic host who can keep listeners engaged as they transition from work to home life.

Since the early 2000s, personalities like Tony Blackburn and Sara Cox have become household names through the show’s blend of music, interviews and light‑hearted banter. Scanlon’s appointment keeps the tradition alive while injecting a fresh, contemporary voice that resonates with younger listeners.

## Looking Ahead

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed enthusiasm for Scanlon’s return: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Angela back to the Radio 2 family on a full‑time basis.

She’s incredibly warm and quick‑witted and proved to be extremely popular with the Radio 2 audience this summer.” Thomas added that *Drivetime* “ensures people get home and start their evenings in a positive and upbeat mood,” highlighting the show’s importance.

The broader Radio 2 shake‑up continues with Ben Earle stepping in as the new presenter of the Thursday evening Country Show, following Bob Harris’s departure due to ill health.

Earle, a singer/songwriter with The Shires and a former presenter on Absolute Radio Country, expressed excitement about bringing both U.S. and UK country talent to the programme. Meanwhile, Ellie Taylor will host Emma Willis’s Saturday lunchtime show from September 26, while Willis takes on “Strictly Come Dancing.”

Scanlon herself has said the transition is “properly exciting,” noting that millions of listeners will join her daily in cars, kitchens and commutes. “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,” she told reporters.

Her goal is to weave these moments into a shared conversation that feels both intimate and inclusive.

### Fan Reaction

Social media buzzed immediately after the announcement.

A trending hashtag, #AngelaDrivesRadio2, saw thousands of tweets praising Scanlon’s “soulful voice” and “relatable banter.” Many listeners compared her to her predecessors, noting that her blend of pop culture references and genuine empathy makes the drive‑time hour feel less like a one‑way broadcast and more like a radio group chat.

One long‑time fan wrote, “I’ve been listening since I was in my twenties – Angela’s coming feels like home returning to the station.”

Meanwhile, younger listeners praised her podcast work, . Radio 2 analytics have already shown a spike in online streaming during the summer guest‑host period, indicating that Scanlon’s presence is translating into tangible audience growth.

### Industry Impact

Scanlon’s appointment underscores a broader trend in UK broadcasting: the shift toward multi‑platform personalities who can seamlessly transition between radio, television and digital content.

By selecting a host who is as comfortable on a podcast stage as she is behind a microphone, Radio 2 signals its intention to keep pace with changing listener habits.

the move highlights the station’s commitment to gender diversity in high‑profile slots. While Sara Cox’s departure could have left a void, Scanlon’s ascension provides continuity for female representation at the helm of one of the network’s most influential programmes.

Industry observers note that such appointments may inspire other networks to seek hosts who bring varied media experience and can engage a younger demographic without sacrificing the warmth that long‑time listeners cherish.

## The Road Ahead

With her new role set for November, Scanlon stands ready to bring her wide‑ranging experience and warm personality to Radio 2’s *Drivetime* audience, promising a fresh chapter in the station’s long‑standing afternoon programming.

Her blend of music knowledge, quick wit and genuine care for listeners’ everyday moments positions her to become a familiar companion for commuters and home‑bodies alike.

As the calendar turns, listeners can look forward to a *Drivetime* that balances chart‑toppers with heartfelt stories, all delivered with Scanlon’s characteristic charm. The stage is set, the playlist is ready, and Angela Scanlon is prepared to steer the afternoon into a new era of engaging, inclusive radio.