Angela Scanlon has been named the permanent host of Radio 2’s Drivetime show, taking over the prestigious 4pm to 7pm weekday slot. The appointment, confirmed as part of a wider autumn schedule reshuffle, sees Scanlon stepping into the role officially in November 2026.
The vacancy on the Drivetime program follows the departure of Sara Cox, who transitioned to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in July 2026. Scanlon is a familiar voice to the station’s audience, having previously hosted the Sunday early breakfast program from 2018 until 2021.
According to RadioToday, Scanlon’s permanent residency in the late afternoon slot marks a significant new chapter for the station’s weekday lineup. Her arrival coincides with several other programming updates designed to solidify the station’s weekend and specialist offerings as the year draws to a close.
Transition for The Country Show
The station has also confirmed a permanent successor for the Thursday night Country Show (9pm–10pm). Ben Earle, known as one half of the successful UK country duo The Shires, will take over the program. The role was previously held by the legendary broadcaster Bob Harris, who presented the show for 27 years starting in 1999.
Harris stepped down from his broadcasting duties in June 2026, citing health concerns. His departure ended a nearly three-decade tenure that significantly shaped the presence of country music in the UK. Earle’s appointment brings an active musician’s perspective to the specialist slot, maintaining the program’s focus on both established and emerging country talent.
In addition to the weekday changes, Ellie Taylor has taken on a more prominent role within the weekend schedule. Starting in late September 2026, Taylor began covering Emma Willis’s Saturday lunchtime program. These adjustments reflect a broader strategy to refresh the station’s roster following a summer of transitional lineups and interim hosting arrangements.
