Angela Scanlon to Host BBC Radio 2 Drivetime; Ben Earle Takes Over Country Show
Starting in November, Angela Scanlon will take over BBC Radio 2's drivetime show on weekdays from 16:00 to 19:00, following Sara Cox's transition to the breakfast slot in May. Scanlon, who previously hosted a Sunday program from 2018 to 2021 and stepped in after Cox's exit, expressed her enthusiasm for the new position during Cox's show, describing it as "properly exciting." Helen Thomas, the controller of Radio 2, commended her for her warmth and popularity with listeners. Scanlon's experience includes appearances on The One Show, This Morning, and Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Furthermore, Ben Earle will take over the weekly country music show, replacing Bob Harris, who departed after 27 years due to health concerns. Earle has been hosting a show on Absolute Radio Country for five years.
Key facts
- Angela Scanlon will host BBC Radio 2's drivetime show weekdays from 16:00 to 19:00 starting in November.
- She replaces Sara Cox, who moved to the breakfast slot in May.
- Scanlon previously hosted a Sunday early morning programme on Radio 2 from 2018 to 2021.
- Other fill-in hosts after Cox's departure included Joel Dommett, Jason Manford, Ellie Taylor, Alex Jones and Gary Davies.
- Scanlon announced the news on Cox's breakfast show on Monday.
- Ben Earle will present Radio 2's weekly country music programme, succeeding Bob Harris, who hosted for 27 years.
- Bob Harris announced his departure in June after revealing his prostate cancer had spread to his spine.
- Earle is one half of British country group The Shires and has presented a weekly show on Absolute Radio Country for five years.
Entities
Artists
- Angela Scanlon
- Sara Cox
- Joel Dommett
- Jason Manford
- Ellie Taylor
- Alex Jones
- Gary Davies
- Helen Thomas
- Graham Norton
- Ben Earle
- Bob Harris
- Robert Plant
Institutions
- BBC Radio 2
- The One Show
- This Morning
- Your Home Made Perfect
- The Apprentice: Unfinished Business
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Virgin Radio
- Get A Grip podcast
- Absolute Radio Country
- The Shires