Sara Cox steps into Britainâs biggest radio slot
Sara Cox has been lauded by critics who tuned into her first Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday
Sara Cox has been warmly embraced by critics after making her much-anticipated debut as the new host of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
The 51-year-old broadcaster officially took over the flagship morning slot on Monday, bringing a burst of humour, nerves, speed and sparkle to one of the most scrutinised jobs in British radio.
For years, Cox has been a familiar and much-loved presence across the station, regularly standing in on breakfast and fronting her own teatime programme. But this was different. This was the big one – the show millions wake up with, the slot that sets the tone for the day and, in many ways, the mood of Radio 2 itself.
And judging by the first wave of reviews, Sara did not tiptoe into the role. She bounded in with a clown horn, a knowing grin and Lizzoâs About Damn Time as her opening track.
A cheeky opening and a nod to a 28-year wait
It was announced in April that the presenter, 51, would take over the Breakfast Show from Scott Mills, who was sacked
The song choice was quickly picked up as a cheeky nod to Saraâs long wait for the biggest job on the station. But she immediately played it down on air, joking that there was âno message in the musicâ and insisting the moment was not meant to be self-indulgent.
That mix of self-awareness and silliness became the flavour of her opening morning. Critics described the show as hectic, uplifting and unmistakably Sara, with The Telegraph praising the presenter for bringing confidence, chaos and a welcome sense of mischief to the breakfast slot.
There were nerves, too, and several reviewers noticed them. But rather than hurting the programme, the slightly breathless energy seemed to make the debut feel more human. Cox was excited, and she sounded excited. For many listeners, that was part of the charm.
Sara first guest was none other than Hollywood star Tom Hanks, who joined her to talk about his new film Toy Story 5
During his guest appearance, Tom gave Sara a Hollywood introduction. Speaking to Sara on Radio 2, Tom revealed why Toy Story 5 feels particularly timely
Sara was presented with a cake which looked like toast and fried egg as she celebrated her first day
Tom Hanks brings Hollywood sparkle
Saraâs first major guest was not exactly low-key. Hollywood star Tom Hanks joined the show to talk about Toy Story 5, giving the morning a dose of A-list sparkle from the very beginning.
The Independent was especially impressed, awarding the debut five stars and calling Cox the ânew queen of breakfast radioâ. The review praised the way she carried over the fun and warmth of her teatime show while keeping listeners at the centre of the programme.
Hanksâ appearance ended with a particularly sweet touch, as the actor delivered a message in his famous Woody voice for two young fans. It was the kind of radio moment designed to travel beyond the studio – warm, shareable and just sentimental enough without tipping into syrup.
Critics praise the fun, but not everyone is fully convinced
The reaction was not completely unanimous. The Times gave the show a more measured three-star review, saying Sara was quick-witted and clearly the right person for the job, but questioning whether enough structure had been built around the new format.
Its critic suggested the first outing sometimes felt too frenetic, with familiar features from her previous show needing more explanation for the breakfast audience. Even so, the overall sense was that Cox has the tools, personality and experience to grow into the role quickly.
Elsewhere, inews praised the showâs mischievous and human tone, noting that Saraâs greatest gift has always been her ability to be funny and light without losing sincerity. That may prove crucial in a slot that needs both morning energy and emotional trust.
A new chapter after a turbulent changeover
Saraâs arrival comes after a difficult period for the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. According to the source article, Scott Mills left the role following historic allegations that had previously been investigated, with the Crown Prosecution Service reportedly deciding in 2019 not to proceed due to a lack of evidence.
The article also reports that Mills is taking legal action against the BBC after his dismissal, with friends claiming he feels unfairly treated. Against that backdrop, Saraâs first show was always going to be judged not just as a debut, but as a reset for Radio 2âs biggest programme.
That is why several critics framed her opening morning as a steadying moment. After months of uncertainty, the station appeared keen to return the focus to music, warmth, celebrity guests and the kind of friendly chaos that listeners often want with their first cup of tea.
Why Saraâs breakfast era could work
Cox closed her first breakfast show with Natalie Coleâs Wild Women Do, a fitting final flourish for a presenter who has never been afraid to bring personality to mainstream radio.
What made the debut land was not perfection. In fact, the odd rough edge may have helped. It sounded alive. It sounded like someone who knew the size of the moment and was thrilled to be there.
For Radio 2, that matters. Breakfast radio is not just about slick links and big-name guests. It is about creating the feeling that someone familiar is in the kitchen, in the car or on the school run with you. Sara Cox has built her career on exactly that kind of connection.
If her first morning was a little chaotic, it was also warm, funny and full of momentum. And for many critics, that was enough to suggest Radio 2 may have found its next breakfast favourite.
