A chapter full of laughter, chaos and “seven years of silliness” has officially come to an end for beloved broadcaster Sara Cox, as she bids an emotional goodbye to her BBC Radio 2 teatime slot — and prepares to step into one of the most iconic roles in British radio.
The 51-year-old star marked the end of an era in true Sara style, celebrating her final recordings with a swanky team dinner in London’s Soho, reflecting on years of music, mischief, and unforgettable on-air moments before taking over the Radio 2 Breakfast Show this summer.
A heartfelt goodbye wrapped in laughter
Taking to social media, Sara shared moments from her final show day, revealing a mix of emotion and gratitude as she closed the curtain on a programme she described as one of the most joyful periods of her career.
Sara Cox bid a fond farewell to her BBC Radio 2 teatime show with a swanky dinner on Friday, as she prepares to replace Scott Mills on the breakfast slot (pictured with Billy Draper)
On Friday, Sara took to Instagram to share that she’d recorded the final episode of her teatime show (pictured with her producer Chloe)
After recording her last teatime episode, she gathered with her team for a celebratory dinner at The Devonshire in Soho — where the mood was both festive and bittersweet. Raising a non-alcoholic Guinness, she toasted what she called “7 and a half years of silliness,” surrounded by colleagues who helped shape the show’s playful identity.
She then marked the occasion by heading to the Devonshire Soho in London for a swanky dinner with her team
Sara enjoyed a non-alcoholic Guinness with her dinner as she reflected on ‘seven years of silliness’ on the teatime show
Her message to listeners was simple but emotional: the chaos, music and “general daftness” would continue — just in a brand-new morning slot.
A major career move into the spotlight
Sara is set to replace Scott Mills on the coveted BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, marking a major shift in her broadcasting journey.
The move was first announced earlier this year, positioning her as the new voice to wake up the nation — a role widely considered one of the most influential in UK radio.
In her statement, Sara described the opportunity as “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed,” adding that hosting Breakfast had long been a personal dream.
She told listeners she felt like everything in her career had been leading to this moment, saying her energy had been “waiting in the wings” for the perfect time to step into the early morning spotlight.
A bittersweet transition amid BBC controversy
Sara’s transition comes during a turbulent period for BBC Radio 2, following the departure of Scott Mills from the Breakfast Show earlier this year.
Mills, a long-time BBC favourite, has been at the centre of significant media attention after allegations of historic sexual offences were reported in connection with a police investigation. He has not been charged, and the Crown Prosecution Service previously determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
Scott was sacked from the BBC after it was discovered he had been the subject of allegations of ‘serious sexual offences’ against a teenage boy under 16
Cox is close friends with Mills and worked alongside him at Radio 2 and Radio 1 for years; Pictured together in 2014
The BBC later confirmed his departure from the station, stating it had acted after receiving new information and making decisions in line with its internal standards and culture review.
Mills has maintained that he fully cooperated with authorities during the investigation, while also expressing distress over his dismissal. According to reports, he is now pursuing legal action against the corporation, claiming unfair dismissal.
The situation has sparked wider debate within broadcasting circles, with some colleagues and industry figures questioning how the BBC handled the matter internally over the years.
Friendship, loyalty and a changing era at Radio 2
Despite the surrounding controversy, Sara and Scott remain close friends, having worked together for decades since their early days at BBC Radio 1 in the late 1990s.
Sara has previously been a guest at Mills’ personal milestones, and their long-standing friendship has often been described as one of the strongest bonds in British radio.
Her farewell posts carried a noticeably emotional tone, reflecting not only the end of her own show but also the wider shift happening across Radio 2 as familiar voices move into new roles.
Looking ahead to Breakfast
Now, all eyes are on Sara’s upcoming debut as the new Breakfast Show host — a role that comes with enormous expectations but also huge affection from listeners who have followed her career for years.
Speaking on air shortly after the announcement, she admitted she was momentarily speechless when first offered the job, joking that perhaps the BBC finally wanted to “shut her up” in the early mornings.
But beneath the humour was clear excitement. Sara described the opportunity as a “full circle moment,” promising listeners that her trademark energy, music and humour would carry through into her new wake-up call for the nation.
“I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career,” she said warmly. “And I really hope you’ll come with me to Breakfast.”
A new era begins
As one of BBC Radio 2’s most recognisable voices steps away from teatime laughter, and another prepares to take the helm of the flagship morning slot, the station finds itself at the start of a new chapter.
For Sara Cox, it’s not a goodbye — but a step into a bigger stage, with even more listeners waking up to her unmistakable voice.
And if her final Soho dinner was anything to go by, the “silliness” is far from over — it’s just moving to a much earlier alarm clock.
