Sara Cox has revealed exactly when listeners will hear her beloved Radio 2 Teatime Show for the final time as she prepares to step into one of the biggest jobs in British broadcasting.
The veteran presenter, who was recently confirmed as the new host of the station’s flagship Breakfast Show, shared the emotional update during a live broadcast, telling fans that the end of an era is now just days away.
For seven years, Cox has been one of the most familiar voices on Radio 2’s evening schedule, entertaining millions of listeners during their journeys home from work.
Now, however, she is preparing for an entirely new challenge after being chosen to replace former Breakfast Show host Scott Mills.
While the BBC has yet to announce the exact date of her debut in the coveted early-morning slot, Cox confirmed that her current programme is entering its final week.
Addressing listeners during her latest broadcast, she could barely contain her excitement.
“Monday is the start of Teatime’s final-ever week,” she announced.
“New Breakfast Show incoming guys. Incoming, brace, brace, brace!”
The presenter then turned her attention to the loyal audience that has followed her throughout her Teatime years.
“Next week’s our final week on Teatime with you’s lot. I love each and every one of ya,” she said.
The emotional message was delivered with the warmth and humour that have helped make Cox one of Radio 2’s most popular presenters.
She even joked about finding a way to make sure her listeners followed her to the breakfast slot.
Laughing, she suggested “microchipping” fans so they would automatically tune in when she begins her new role.
Despite her enthusiasm, Cox stopped short of revealing exactly when she will take over the Breakfast Show.
“So yeah, final week, bosh, is next week and then the brand new Sara Cox Breakfast Show will be starting at some point, but I can’t tell you when,” she teased.
“That’s a big secret under my hat.”
The announcement marks a significant moment for Radio 2.
The Breakfast Show remains one of the most influential programmes in British radio, attracting millions of listeners each week and serving as a key part of the station’s identity.
For Cox, securing the role represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
After the BBC confirmed her appointment, she admitted that the opportunity felt almost surreal.
The presenter described herself as “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed” to have been selected for the position.
“There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show,” she said.
“It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me.”
Her comments reflected just how significant the promotion is.
Few broadcasting jobs carry the same prestige as hosting a national breakfast programme, particularly on a station as prominent as Radio 2.
Cox has spent decades building her reputation across both television and radio, earning praise for her energetic presenting style and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Her move to Breakfast is widely viewed as one of the most important changes to the station’s schedule in recent years.
The presenter also paid tribute to the listeners who have supported her during her Teatime years.
“I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on Teatime,” she said.
“Thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests.”
She added: “I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest, most fun breakfast show ever.”
The transition comes during a turbulent period for the BBC following the departure of Scott Mills.
The long-serving broadcaster was removed from his role earlier this year after the corporation concluded an investigation into his past conduct.
Mills had hosted the Breakfast Show for a relatively short period before his abrupt exit shocked both listeners and colleagues.
His final appearance took place in late March.
Shortly afterwards, it emerged that he had previously been questioned by police in 2018 regarding allegations of historic sexual offences involving a teenage boy under the age of 16.
The allegations related to events said to have occurred decades earlier.
The case was ultimately dropped after prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
Despite that outcome, the BBC later stated that new information had come to light which prompted its decision to terminate Mills’ contracts.
The broadcaster said it acted in line with its culture and values after reviewing the situation.
The decision immediately sparked controversy.
Supporters of Mills argued that he had cooperated fully with investigators and had never been charged with any offence.
Critics, meanwhile, questioned whether the BBC had responded consistently compared with other high-profile cases involving presenters.
Mills himself issued a carefully worded statement following his dismissal.
He explained that an allegation had been made against him in 2016 and that he had fully cooperated with the subsequent police investigation.
He noted that a file of evidence had been submitted to prosecutors but that the Crown Prosecution Service determined the evidential threshold required to bring charges had not been met.
The presenter also emphasised that the investigation concerned an allegation dating back almost three decades and that the case had been closed seven years ago.
As a result, he asked both the public and the media to respect his decision not to comment further.
In his statement, Mills thanked former colleagues and listeners who had contacted him with messages of support.
“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness,” he said.
The circumstances surrounding his departure inevitably cast a shadow over the Breakfast Show and created significant pressure for whoever would eventually step into the role.
That responsibility now falls to Cox.
Industry insiders believe her popularity and experience make her a natural choice to steady the programme during a period of uncertainty.
Her appointment has generally been welcomed by listeners, many of whom have followed her career since her early days on BBC Radio 1.
Over the years, Cox has built a reputation as one of the corporation’s most dependable broadcasting talents.
Known for her quick wit, warmth and ability to balance humour with heartfelt moments, she has become one of the defining voices of modern radio.
Colleagues describe her as energetic, approachable and deeply committed to her audience.
Those qualities are expected to shape the next chapter of the Breakfast Show.
The challenge ahead will not be insignificant.
Breakfast radio remains fiercely competitive, with stations across the country battling for audience share during the crucial morning hours.
Maintaining listener loyalty while attracting new audiences will be a key priority.
Yet many within the industry believe Cox is uniquely positioned to succeed.
Her combination of experience, popularity and authenticity has helped her remain relevant throughout decades of change in broadcasting.
As the final days of her Teatime programme approach, emotions are understandably running high.
For listeners, the end of the show marks the conclusion of a much-loved chapter.
For Cox, it represents the beginning of a new adventure.
Although she has yet to reveal exactly when she will officially take over the Breakfast Show, anticipation is already building.
Fans are preparing to say goodbye to one programme while looking forward to another.
And if her enthusiasm is anything to go by, Sara Cox is more than ready to wake up the nation.
After seven successful years on Teatime, one of Radio 2’s most popular presenters is heading for the biggest stage of all — and millions of listeners are expected to follow her there.
