Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Sara in the driving seat
Cox to host a new Drivetime show after losing out to Zoe
SARA Cox is to present a revamped BBC Radio 2 Drivetime following the shock departure of Simon Mayo.
She already hosts the Monday to Thursday 10pm to midnight slot and will now oversee a new 5-7pm weekday show.
Sara, 43, who was tipped to take over from Chris Evans on the Breakfast Show but lost out to Zoe Ball, said she is “beyond chuffed”, adding: “To quote my mum it is ‘fandabbyruddydozy’.” Claudia Winkleman, Graham Norton and Richard Madeley were all touted as possible presenters of Drivetime.
Mayo had hosted since 2010 but was joined by Jo Whiley for an extended 5-8pm edition earlier this year. The move was criticised by listeners, and Radio 2 had to ask fans to “give it a chance”. Whiley will be launching a new Monday to Thursday show from 7-9pm.
Mayo, 60, said last week he is “sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan house” adding he thought he would be “dragged out aged 120” from the home of Radio 2. He has several new projects lined up and added: “I’m as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on brand new trails is enormous fun.”
Mayo will remain at the BBC for the 5 Live Film review he co-hosts but said “other radio adventures beckon”.
Sara joined BBC Radio 1 in 1999 to present a Saturday lunchtime show.