Joel Dommett snubs £200k BBC slot, sparking Radio 2 chaos

**Radio 2 Faces Drivetime Crisis After Joel Dommett Declines £200,000 Slot**

Radio 2 is in a new turmoil as the BBC’s long‑time Drivetime presenter position was turned down by comedian Joel Dommett. The offer came after Sara Cox moved from the slot to the Breakfast Show following the dismissal of Scott Mills over historic sex‑assault claims.

Dommett, 41, who hosts ITV’s *The Masked Singer* and has two sons with model Hannah Cooper, declined a £200,000 role that many saw as a career‑making opportunity.

The station’s bosses had hoped the high‑profile gig would stabilise the late‑afternoon lineup. Dommett’s refusal came amid growing rumours of a toxic environment and staff “on edge” after the leadership changes at Radio 2.

The decision has left the 4 pm‑7 pm slot in limbo, with guest presenters filling in and no permanent successor confirmed.

## Background & Context

The Drivetime slot became vacant when Sara Cox, 51, who had hosted the show for seven years, was moved to the Breakfast Show in July. Cox’s transfer followed the firing of Scott Mills, 53, over historic sex‑assault allegations that never led to charges.

Since then, Radio 2 has struggled to find a steady hand in the afternoon slot, relying on temporary hosts including Dommett.

Radio 2’s instability has deepened with a string of high‑profile exits.

Chris Evans left the Breakfast Show for Virgin Radio in 2018 after 13 years; Simon Mayo quit Drivetime and later joined Greatest Hits Radio; Graham Norton departed his Saturday morning show in 2020 for Virgin; Ken Bruce ended a 30‑year tenure in 2023, taking his quiz *PopMaster* to Greatest Hits; Claudia Winkleman left five years after replacing Norton.

These departures have weakened the station’s star power and opened the door for rival broadcasters.

Allegations suggest that Radio 2 head Helen Thomas, who has held the post for six years, may have contributed to the deteriorating workplace culture.

A source said, “The devastating part is nobody knows where this is going to end.” Thomas was one of the managers involved in Mills’s sacking, a move that reportedly enraged many colleagues and eroded loyalty among staff.

## What People Are Saying

A source told reporters that Dommett “must have heard how miserable and on edge staff are,” adding that “It would have been a great opportunity for Joel but he must have heard how miserable and on edge staff are.” The comment reflects growing concerns about the station’s internal atmosphere.

A BBC spokesman declined to discuss individual contracts, saying, “We do not recognise this as the reality of working at Radio 2. The station prides itself on being a supportive family, both on and off air and that culture comes from the top.” The spokesperson also said the Drivetime presenter would be confirmed in due course.

The broader industry has noted Radio 2’s loss of talent to competitors. With big names moving to Virgin and Greatest Hits, the BBC’s flagship music station is now under pressure to rebuild its brand and retain staff in a challenging environment.

## What Happens Next

Radio 2 is reportedly continuing its search for a permanent Drivetime host. No candidate has been announced, and the BBC remains tight‑lipped about contract details. The station’s spokesman reiterated that the Drivetime presenter will be confirmed “in due course,” but no timeline was provided.

If a new presenter is not found soon, Radio 2 may face further erosion of its audience share and staff morale. The ongoing turbulence could impact the station’s reputation as a family‑friendly workplace, potentially accelerating the trend of high‑profile departures.

The outcome of this search will be closely watched by listeners and industry observers alike, as Radio 2 seeks to restore stability in its most important afternoon slot.