Sara Cox lands top Radio 2 job, replacing Scott Mills
The BBC is set to shake up its Eurovision line-up this year, with Sara Cox stepping in to replace Scott Mills across its flagship coverage of the contest.
Cox will take on a prominent role during Eurovision week, fronting the semi-final broadcasts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as well as leading Radio 2’s coverage of the Grand Final. The move follows Mills’ sudden departure from the broadcaster, bringing an end to his long-running association with the contest.
A new voice for Eurovision week
Eurovision 2026, which takes place in Vienna, Austria, will feature semi-finals on 12 and 14 May, followed by the Grand Final on 16 May.
For UK audiences, the semi-finals will once again be broadcast on BBC One and streamed via BBC iPlayer during the week leading up to the final — a slot that has become a key part of the BBC’s Eurovision offering.
Sara Cox is expected to co-host the semi-final coverage alongside Rylan Clark, continuing a presenting partnership that Eurovision viewers have become familiar with in recent years. She will then carry that role through to Radio 2, where the station traditionally broadcasts the Grand Final live for UK listeners.
Cox is no stranger to Eurovision. A long-time fan of the contest, she has previously been involved in BBC coverage and has stepped in for semi-final commentary in recent years, making her a natural successor to Mills.
End of an era for Scott Mills
Scott Mills had been a central figure in the BBC’s Eurovision output for more than a decade, regularly commentating on the semi-finals and hosting Radio 2’s coverage of the final.
His exit from the BBC after nearly 30 years came abruptly in March 2026 following allegations relating to personal conduct, with the corporation confirming he is no longer contracted.
The decision has left a significant gap in the broadcaster’s Eurovision team, given Mills’ long-standing enthusiasm for the contest and his popularity among fans.
BBC coverage continues across platforms
Despite the presenter reshuffle, the BBC’s Eurovision coverage will remain largely unchanged in format.
Semi-finals: Broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during Eurovision week
Grand Final (TV): BBC One broadcast (with separate TV commentary)
Grand Final (radio): Live on BBC Radio 2
The corporation continues to treat Eurovision as one of its biggest annual entertainment events, with multi-platform coverage spanning television, radio, and streaming.
A fresh chapter for Eurovision on the BBC
Sara Cox’s appointment marks a new chapter for the BBC’s Eurovision coverage, blending continuity with change. While she brings experience and enthusiasm to the role, the absence of Scott Mills will undoubtedly be felt by long-time viewers and listeners.
As the UK prepares for another Eurovision campaign, all eyes will be on how this refreshed presenting line-up shapes the tone of the BBC’s coverage during one of the most anticipated weeks in the entertainment calendar.