Sara Cox has officially confirmed that her new BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show will begin on July 6, with Hollywood legend Tom Hanks lined up as her first-ever guest.
The 51-year-old presenter announced the exciting news during an appearance on Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 programme while competing against Jeremy Vine in the popular Ten to the Top quiz.
Cox, who was named as the new breakfast host in April, will take over the coveted slot following the departure of Scott Mills.
Sharing the announcement, Sara admitted she could barely contain her excitement.
“OK, my big news is… God, I’ve gone all hot and excited. My big news is that… there’s been quite a lot of mystery about when the brand new Sara Cox Breakfast Show begins on BBC Radio 2,” she said.
“I’ve been quite mysterious and going, ‘it’s in the summer’ and waggling my eyebrows mysteriously. But I can now announce, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between, please do join me for my very first Breakfast Show on Radio 2 on 6th of July.”
She added: “Very, very excited. It is 6.30am. The date is the 6th of July.”
Jeremy Vine jokingly asked how many alarm clocks she planned to use for the early start.
Laughing, Sara replied: “42. And it’s the first-ever Sara Cox Breakfast Show. I can’t wait – it’s so exciting.”
Jeremy responded warmly: “We can’t wait. We’re so proud of you,” while Vernon Kay added: “Amazing!”
Sara then revealed that her debut celebrity guest would be none other than Tom Hanks, who is promoting the upcoming film Toy Story 5.
“I don’t know where we go from here because I think we’ve started almost too big,” she joked. “My very first guest on the Sara Cox Breakfast Show will be… Mr. Tom Hanks.”
Vernon immediately praised the Oscar-winning actor, saying: “Awh legend. The nicest man in showbusiness.”
An ecstatic Sara replied: “Woody at Breakfast. Yes, cannot wait!”
Ahead of the show’s launch, she also shared a playful message with fans, writing that future generations might one day ask: “‘Where were YOU when the Sara Cox Breakfast Show was launched on Radio 2 featuring the legendary Tom Hanks?’ and hopefully they’ll reply ‘listening and laughing along with a nice brew’.”
The new programme promises a refreshed format and a host of exclusive interviews with major stars from around the world.
Meanwhile, Sara recently marked the end of her long-running teatime programme after seven and a half years. Celebrating with colleagues at London’s Devonshire Soho, she reflected on the journey in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Seven and a half years of silliness all wrapped up with some Pato Banton and a booze-free Guinness,” she wrote.
“Thank you for listening to teatime @bbcradio2 – the mucking about and general daftness will continue soon on The Sara Cox Breakfast Show… (Please come with me!).”
Sara’s appointment comes after Scott Mills’ departure from the BBC. The broadcaster later launched legal action against the corporation, arguing he had been unfairly dismissed after historical allegations against him resurfaced. Scott was previously questioned under caution in 2018, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to proceed with the case in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.
Sources close to the presenter have claimed he feels devastated by the loss of a career spanning nearly three decades and is determined to clear his name through the ongoing legal battle.
