BBC Radio 2 confirms flurry of new presenters for autumn season - including former Strictly Come Dancing favourite

BBC Radio 2 has confirmed a number of new presenters for the autumn, with former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Angela Scanlon announced as the new Drivetime host.

The Irish presenter, who competed on Strictly in 2023, will take over from Sara Cox in the role from November.

Scanlon said in a statement: "Taking over Radio 2 Drivetime is properly exciting. Millions of people, all having completely different days, piling into the same conversation for a few hours - what a strange and lovely thing!"

She continued: "Every weekday, I'll be in your ears, your cars and your kitchens - on the school run, on the way home, or standing at the hob wondering what on earth to feed a small but hungry mob. I want all of it: the stories, the opinions, the chaos, the tiny triumphs and the things you probably shouldn't admit on national radio.

"And to be wedged between Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley - two absolute radio legends - is quite the sandwich. I cannot wait to get stuck in. We're going to have a lot of fun."

Scanlon is no stranger to the station, having hosted Sunday mornings from 4am until 6am from 2018 to 2021. She recently stepped in for Cox after she moved over to present BBC Radio 2's breakfast slot.

Elsewhere, Ben Earle will become the new presenter of The Radio 2 Country Show, which airs every Thursday evening from 9 to 10pm.

Earle, who is a singer-songwriter and one half of the best-selling UK country duo The Shires, made his Radio 2 presenting debut in 2019, filling in for Bob Harris on the Country Show.

Ben says: "It really feels like I’m coming home to the Radio 2 Country Show. I’m truly honoured to have been asked to present such a prestigious show in such an exciting time for Country music, especially in the UK. I still pinch myself that the genre has become so huge that we now have US acts coming over and headlining stadiums here. I’m so excited to chat to those artists on the show and hear their stories, and also discover some homegrown talent too.

"What I’m most excited for though is what made me fall in love with Country - the songs. Searching out the best Country songs and playing them every week is going to be so much fun."

As previously announced, Ellie Taylor will be taking the reins of Emma Willis's Saturday lunchtime show, while also joining Willis on the Strictly format, hosting companion show It Takes Two.

The comedian and actress, who appeared on Strictly back in 2022, will make her debut on Monday 28 September.

Taylor said in a statement: "What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who've made Strictly - It Takes Two so loved over the years."

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 3 October at 6:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.