The short version
- Angela Scanlon will begin hosting the weekday drivetime program in November after filling in during the summer.
- Ben Earle succeeds Bob Harris as the presenter of the station's weekly country music feature.
- Station executives cited audience popularity and warmth as key factors in selecting Scanlon for the high-profile slot.
Angela Scanlon has been appointed as the permanent host of BBC Radio 2’s drivetime show, a significant shift in the station’s afternoon lineup. She will assume control of the 16:00 to 19:00 weekday slot starting in November, filling the vacancy left by Sara Cox. Cox recently moved to the breakfast position, creating a ripple effect across the network’s schedule that required a substantial search for her successor.
The selection process involved several high-profile presenters who filled the drivetime hours over the summer months. Scanlon was one of multiple hosts tested in the role, joining a roster that included Joel Dommett, Jason Manford, Ellie Taylor, Alex Jones, and Gary Davies. This temporary arrangement allowed station executives to gauge audience reaction and presenter fit before making a final decision on who would lead the show long-term.
Scanlon expressed enthusiasm about the new responsibility, describing the prospect of connecting with millions of listeners during their commute as both strange and lovely. She emphasized her desire to engage with the diverse experiences of her audience, from school runs to kitchen chaos. Her comments highlighted a focus on relatable, everyday moments rather than polished perfection, aiming to create a space for shared stories and opinions.
Helen Thomas, the controller of Radio 2, praised Scanlon’s performance during the trial period. Thomas noted that Scanlon proved to be extremely popular with listeners and brought an incredibly warm and quick-witted presence to the microphone. The executive emphasized the importance of the drivetime show in setting a positive tone for listeners as they transition from work to home life.
Scanlon is no stranger to BBC Radio 2, having previously hosted a Sunday early morning program between 2018 and 2021. Her broadcasting career also includes roles on Virgin Radio, where she took over the weekend breakfast show in 2024 following Graham Norton’s departure. Additionally, she has built a substantial television profile through appearances on The One Show, This Morning, and Strictly Come Dancing.
In a separate programming update, the station announced that Ben Earle will take over the weekly country music program. This change follows the departure of Bob Harris, who hosted the show for 27 years. Harris announced his exit in June, shortly after revealing that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine. His long tenure made him a legendary figure in the genre’s radio coverage.
Earle, known as one half of the British country duo The Shires, brings both musical expertise and broadcasting experience to the role. He has presented a weekly show on Absolute Radio Country for the past five years. Thomas described Earle as the ideal successor, citing his passion for the genre and his background as a musician. She expressed hope that he would maintain the show’s legacy for decades to come.
The announcements mark a period of transition for BBC Radio 2, with key slots changing hands after long tenures. Scanlon appeared on Cox’s breakfast show to officially share the news, signaling a smooth handover between colleagues. The station aims to maintain continuity in tone and quality while introducing fresh voices to its afternoon and specialty programming schedules.
Listeners can expect Scanlon to begin her regular broadcasts in November, bringing her distinct style to one of the most listened-to slots on British radio. The move underscores the network’s strategy of testing potential hosts through temporary assignments before committing to permanent appointments. This approach allows for data-driven decisions based on actual audience engagement rather than speculation.
The changes reflect broader trends in broadcasting where versatility and cross-platform presence are increasingly valued. Scanlon’s background in television and podcasting, alongside her radio experience, positions her well for the modern media landscape. Similarly, Earle’s dual identity as a performer and presenter aligns with the growing integration of music industry professionals into radio hosting roles.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC News↗Angela Scanlon takes over Sara Cox's drivetime slot on Radio 2
