Angela Scanlon Named New Host of BBC Radio 2 Drivetime as Ben Earle Takes Over Country Show

Angela Scanlon has been confirmed as the new presenter of BBC Radio 2's drivetime programme, stepping into the 16:00-19:00 weekday slot that Sara Cox vacated earlier this year. The Irish broadcaster and television personality will begin hosting the show from November, following a summer of guest presenters who filled in after Cox's departure in May. The announcement was made on Monday during Cox's breakfast programme, marking the culmination of months of speculation about who would take permanent control of one of the station's most high-profile slots.

Scanlon expressed her enthusiasm for the role in a statement released alongside the announcement, describing the opportunity as "properly exciting." She reflected on the unique nature of live radio, noting how millions of listeners experience vastly different days yet come together to share a single conversation for a few hours. The presenter also outlined her vision for the programme, promising to cover everything from personal stories and strong opinions to the unpredictable and chaotic moments that make live broadcasting distinctive. She specifically mentioned wanting to hear from listeners during their school runs, commutes home, and even while preparing meals for their families.

The appointment follows a competitive summer season during which several presenters auditioned for the permanent role. Joel Dommett, Jason Manford, Ellie Taylor, Alex Jones, and Gary Davies were among those who took turns hosting the drivetime show in the months after Cox moved to the breakfast slot. Scanlon's previous relationship with Radio 2 includes hosting a Sunday early morning programme from 2018 to 2021, giving her established familiarity with the station's audience and editorial approach. Earlier this year, the station announced that Cox would replace Scott Mills on the breakfast show, a significant reshuffle that created the vacancy Scanlon now fills.

Helen Thomas, Radio 2's controller, praised Scanlon's on-air qualities and her reception from listeners during the summer trial period. Thomas described her as incredibly warm and quick-witted, noting that she proved extremely popular with the Radio 2 audience. The controller emphasised the strategic importance of the drivetime programme, explaining that it plays a crucial role in helping listeners transition from their working day into their evening with a positive and upbeat mood. Thomas also extended gratitude to all the presenters who had kept the slot running smoothly during the interim period.

Scanlon brings a diverse broadcasting portfolio to the role. She is widely recognised for her work on The One Show and This Morning, as well as presenting roles on Your Home Made Perfect and The Apprentice: Unfinished Business. In 2023, she participated in Strictly Come Dancing, further raising her public profile. Beyond television, she hosted the Virgin Radio weekend breakfast show following Graham Norton's departure in 2024 and co-hosts the Get A Grip podcast. Her combination of television visibility, radio experience, and conversational style appears well-suited to the demands of a daily drivetime programme that relies on personality-driven engagement with a broad audience.

In her statement, Scanlon struck a conversational tone that suggested she intends to bring an informal, inclusive atmosphere to the programme. She emphasised her desire to engage with the full spectrum of listener experiences, from small personal victories to the kind of candid revelations that might ordinarily be kept private. This approach aligns with Radio 2's broader programming strategy, which prioritises connection and companionship during key listening hours. The drivetime slot is particularly important for reaching audiences during commute times, when listeners often seek both entertainment and a sense of shared experience.

Separately, Radio 2 also announced that Ben Earle will become the new host of its weekly country music programme. Earle takes over from the legendary Bob Harris, known to audiences as "Whispering" Bob, who presented the show for 27 years before announcing his departure in June. Harris's decision to step down came shortly after he disclosed that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine, a development that prompted an outpouring of support from the music community and listeners alike. Earle is one half of the British country group The Shires and has presented a weekly programme on Absolute Radio Country for the past five years, giving him substantial credentials in both performance and broadcasting within the genre.

Helen Thomas welcomed Earle's appointment, highlighting the combination of qualities she believes will serve him well in the role. She pointed to his deep knowledge of country music, his evident passion for the genre, and his experience as a musician and radio presenter as factors that make him ideally suited to carry on the programme's legacy. Thomas expressed her hope that Earle would host the show for decades to come, drawing a deliberate parallel with Harris's long tenure. The comparison underscores the station's ambition to maintain continuity and loyalty among country music fans who have tuned in for generations.

The dual announcements reflect broader shifts in Radio 2's schedule and programming strategy. Sara Cox's move to breakfast represented one of the station's most significant changes in recent years, and the subsequent search for a permanent drivetime host generated considerable interest. By selecting Scanlon, who had already proven herself during the summer tryouts, the station has opted for a familiar voice with demonstrated audience appeal rather than an entirely new direction. The appointment of Earle similarly suggests a preference for continuity, with a host who understands country music's traditions while bringing contemporary experience as an active musician.

For Scanlon, the new role represents a significant expansion of her responsibilities across British broadcasting. Balancing a daily drivetime programme with her existing commitments will require careful scheduling, though her experience across television and radio suggests she is prepared for the workload. Her Monday appearance on Cox's breakfast show to announce the news was a symbolic passing of the baton, publicly acknowledging the transition between the outgoing and incoming hosts. The moment also offered listeners an early indication of the rapport Scanlon hopes to build with the Radio 2 audience when she officially begins in November.

The timing of Scanlon's arrival in November positions her to establish herself before the end-of-year holiday season, a period when radio audiences often reach their peak. Drivetime programming holds particular significance during this time, as listeners travel to and from festive gatherings and seek familiar, engaging company. Scanlon's stated intention to embrace chaos and candid stories suggests she will aim to create a programme that feels spontaneous and human, qualities that have traditionally driven success in the slot. Her promise to be in listeners' ears, cars, and kitchens captures the intimate nature of radio at its best.

The country music programme also enters a new chapter with Earle's appointment. Bob Harris's 27-year tenure made him synonymous with the show, and his departure due to health concerns added poignancy to the transition. Harris's prostate cancer diagnosis, which he revealed had spread to his spine, prompted widespread tributes and reflections on his contribution to country music broadcasting in the UK. Earle's challenge will be to honour that legacy while establishing his own identity, drawing on his experience with The Shires and Absolute Radio Country to connect with both longstanding listeners and newer fans.

Radio 2's announcements signal a period of renewal for the station, with two significant appointments that balance established talent with fresh energy. Scanlon's move to drivetime follows a successful summer audition period that gave listeners a chance to hear her chemistry with the format, while Earle's country music credentials offer assurance to a dedicated audience. Together, these changes suggest the station is navigating its generational transitions carefully, paying tribute to departing hosts while investing in presenters capable of carrying its programming into the future.