Angela Scanlon gets BBC Radio 2 Drive

Angela Scanlon will host BBC Radio 2’s weekday Drivetime show from November.

The 4pm to 7pm programme becomes her regular slot after she presented Drivetime shows during the summer. Angela previously hosted Radio 2’s Sunday early breakfast show from 2018 to 2021 and has also presented Weekend Breakfast on Virgin Radio UK.

“Every weekday, I’ll be in your ears, your cars and your kitchens,” Angela said. She added that she wanted listeners to bring their stories, opinions and “tiny triumphs” to the show.

In other news announced by the BBC today, Ben Earle, one half of The Shires, will take over the Radio 2 Country Show on Thursdays from 9pm to 10pm. He succeeds Bob Harris, who stepped down earlier this year due to ill health after presenting the programme since 1999.

Ben first filled in for Bob on Radio 2 in 2019 and has presented a Sunday morning show on Absolute Radio Country for the past five years. “I’m truly honoured to have been asked to present such a prestigious show,” he said.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, thanked the presenters who have hosted Drivetime since Sara Cox moved to Breakfast, as well as Darius Rucker for presenting the Country Show in recent months.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to all the hosts who have presented in this slot since our Sara moved on up to Breakfast.”

Ellie Taylor has also begun covering Emma Willis’s Saturday lunchtime programme while Emma presents Strictly Come Dancing. Ellie’s first show was on 26 September.

Angela appeared on Radio 2 at approximately 8.10am this morning to announce the news, whilst Ben Earle will be on Vernon Kay’s show from 9.30am.