Sara Cox

Template:Short description Template:Other people Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox person Sara Joanne Cyzer (Template:Née born 13 December 1974), known professionally by her maiden name Sara Cox, is an English broadcaster and author. A presenter on BBC Radio 2, she has been hosting the station's drivetime show since January 2019. She previously presented BBC Radio 1's breakfast show from April 2000 until December 2003.<ref>Digital Spy: Sara Cox presents final BBC Radio 1 show as Chris Moyles pays tribute</ref>

Cox has also presented a number of television shows for the BBC including The Great Pottery Throw Down (2015–2017), Too Much TV (2016) and Back in Time for... (2018–2020).

Early life and career

Cox was born Sarah Joanne Cox on 13 December 1974, but later dropped the use of the letter 'h' from her first name.<ref name=engwalbirths>England & Wales, Birth Index: 1837–1983. Ancestry.co.uk. Retrieved 21 June 2007.</ref>Template:Better source needed Her parents lived in the village of Little Lever near Bolton, Greater Manchester, where she grew up on her father's farm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She was the youngest of five children. Her parents separated when she was six or seven, after which she moved with her mother and a sister to another house in the same village.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cox attended Smithills High School until the age of 16, and left Canon Slade School after her four A-levels<ref>Manchester Evening News Saturday 21 August 1993 page 14</ref> to pursue a career in modelling.

She appeared in the music video for Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1993 single "Everyday",<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and on a controversial promotional poster for the 1995 video game Wipeout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cox won her first television show role in 1996, presenting The Girlie Show on Channel 4.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She later had stints on Channel 5 entertainment show Exclusive and Channel 4 music programme Born Sloppy. In 1997 Cox presented on the UK feed of MTV, hosting MTV Hot, a late-night music show. In 1998 Cox won her first film role in The Bitterest Pill.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In September 1998, Cox became a presenter of The Big Breakfast. During her time on the programme, she interviewed stars including Robbie Williams, Sting and Leonardo DiCaprio. Cox preferred to do interviews in her father's caravan, situated in The Big Breakfast garden.Template:Fact

BBC Radio 1

1999–2002

A transfer to radio came on 19 September 1999 when she joined BBC Radio 1. She launched The Surgery with Mark Hamilton, where Cox acted as "Nurse Coxy". She also co-hosted the Saturday lunchtime show with Emma B from 13:00 – 15:00

In December 1999, it was announced that Cox would replace Zoe Ball as presenter of Radio 1 Breakfast. Cox's breakfast show stint began on 3 April 2000. Initially, her listening figures grew from 6.9 million to 7.8 million listeners during her first fifteen months in the job — earning Radio 1 its largest breakfast audience ever — higher than that of her predecessor and ex-BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Evans. By August 2002, however, numbers had dipped back under 7 million.Template:Fact

2003–2008

In January 2003, Cox denied rumours that she was preparing to leave the BBC for a rival show and signed a three-year contract with the public service broadcaster.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In August 2003, the BBC again denied rumours, reported in the Daily Mail, that she had been given ten weeks to increase ratings, or to face replacement.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, two months later, the BBC announced that Cox, whose listening figures had slipped to 6.6 million, would be replaced by Chris Moyles in January 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cox hosted her final breakfast show on 19 December 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cox then presented the afternoon "drivetime" slot, effectively swapping shows with Moyles. She hosted the Drivetime show for six months with features such as "For Your Ears Only", "Me, Myself and I", and "Chap's Eye Pub Quiz" (referring to her former sidekick Mark Chapman).Template:Fact At the end of May 2004, Cox began her maternity leave to give birth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Before she returned to Radio 1 in early 2005, Scott Mills, the presenter who took over her slot during her maternity leave, was given the drivetime slot permanently.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

From February 2005, Cox took over the afternoon show (13:00 – 16:00) on Saturdays and Sundays.Template:Fact

2008–2014

On 17 February 2008, Cox presented her last show for six months before leaving for maternity leave to have her second child.Template:Fact Annie Mac presented the show during her absence until Cox's return in September 2008. Cox and Annie Mac both later covered for Jo Whiley who was on maternity leave between 29 September 2008 to 20 February 2009.Template:Citation needed Following Whiley's return, Cox returned to weekends to present a Sunday mid-morning show, broadcasting between 10:00 and 13:00.Template:Fact

In March 2010, Cox went on maternity leave for the third time, with new presenter Matt Edmondson providing cover.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She returned to the station on 9 August 2010 to cover for Fearne Cotton for three weeks. Cox made a self-confessed "unexpected" return to the breakfast show on 2 and 3 September 2010, as she sat in for the ill Chris Moyles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In August 2012, it was announced that Cox, Gemma Cairney, Huw Stephens, Jameela Jamil, Alice Levine, and Annie Mac would cover Fearne Cotton's show on BBC Radio 1 weekdays from 10:00 to 12:45, whilst Cotton was on maternity leave, until Cotton's return in September 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Cotton's return, Cox presented various cover shows; her final show for Radio 1 was on 17 February 2014.Template:Citation needed

BBC Radio 2

In June 2011, Cox began hosting the fourth series of the comedy programme Hot Gossip on BBC Radio 2, covering for Claudia Winkleman, who chose not to present the series as she was pregnant at the time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2012, Cox covered for Alex Lester, Janice Long, Ken Bruce, and Vanessa Feltz, as well as providing cover for Simon Mayo Drivetime and Steve Wright in the Afternoon.

Between 2012 and 2018, and from 2025 she was the stand-in presenter for The Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

Cox joined Radio 2 for her first regular show each Saturday night from 22:00 to midnight, presenting Sounds of the 80s to complement the already existing Sounds of the 60s and Sounds of the 70s. The show began on Saturday 5 October 2013.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The show moved to Friday nights from April 2016.

Between 14 May 2018 and 13 December 2018, Cox began a new late-night show on Radio 2; the show ran from Monday to Thursday between 22:00 to midnight. She was replaced as host of Sounds of the 80s by Gary Davies; Cox presented her final edition of the show on 11 May 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 29 October 2018, it was announced that Cox would succeed Simon Mayo as drivetime presenter on 14 January 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 1 July 2022, it was announced that, from September, Cox would extend her drivetime show by an hour to run from 16:00–19:00 to coincide with Scott Mills joining the station on a permanent basis to present from 14:00–16:00.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Television

In July 2007, Cox presented London Live on Channel 4, and appeared as a guest star on the Sky1 show Angela and Friends in November 2009<ref>"Angela and Friends cast list", "imdb.com" July 2011</ref> and as guest presenter in January 2010.<ref>"Angela and Friends cast list", "imdb.com" July 2011</ref> Also in 2010, she appeared as a team captain on What Do Kids Know? along with Rufus Hound and Joe Swash on the Watch channel.<ref>"What Do Kids Know?" Template:Webarchive, "UKTV" July 2011</ref>

Cox commentated for the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC Three with fellow Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> at the 2011 Contest and 2012 Contest, and again in 2021 as a late stand-in for Rylan Clark.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cox was replaced by Ana Matronic starting from the 2013 Contest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 21 October 2014, Cox guest presented a Children in Need episode of The Great British Sewing Bee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In April 2015, it was announced that Cox would present The Great Pottery Throw Down for BBC Two. The first series began in November 2015 and the second in February 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2016, Cox co-presenting Too Much TV, a daily magazine show on BBC Two.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2017, Cox appeared on Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit and was on Steve's team in the show. She lost the episode in terms of points.<ref>Page of show shows points of each episode and who won each episode.</ref> On 4 June 2017, Cox co-presented the One Love Manchester benefit concert special and British television special with Ore Oduba.

Since 2018, Cox has co-presented Back in Time for..., where a modern-day family enjoy meals that were eaten by families of years gone by. She replaced Giles Coren.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From May 2018, Cox presents Love in the Countryside for BBC Two.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 5 March 2019, it was announced that Cox would host a new ITV show, entitled The Sara Cox Show, which would feature entertainment, live music and celebrity guests and which would air on Saturday and Sunday mornings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In October 2020, Cox launched and presented Between the Covers on BBC Two, a seven-episode book programme, which was renewed and ran for a total of eight series, ending in December 2024.<ref name="bbc/m000n7sl">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 15 November 2025 Cox confirmed that she was to be the presenter of The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop for BBC One. In each of the eight episodes, professional model makers will bring places, people and iconic moments in time back to life via miniature models.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Books

In March 2019, her book Till the Cows Come Home: A Lancashire Childhood, a memoir of growing up in 1980s Lancashire, was published by Coronet Books.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Her debut novel Thrown was published in May 2022.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Her second novel Way Back was published in March 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

Family

Cox married the DJ Jon Carter in October 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their daughter was born on 13 June 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December 2005, it was announced the couple had separated and that Cox was dating marketing executive Ben Cyzer.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 16 September 2007, Cox announced, on her BBC Radio 1 weekend show, that she was expecting her second child, and her first with Cyzer.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cox's last weekend show was on Sunday 17 February 2008 before she left for six months' maternity leave. Her second child, a boy, was born on 10 March 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She returned to Radio 1 in September 2008. Cox went on maternity leave for the third time, after her show on 7 March 2010. Less than a week later, on 12 March, she gave birth to a girl.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 23 June 2013, Cox tweeted a picture to announce she and Cyzer had got married.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They live in Willesden, north London.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Advocacy

Cox says that she is committed to protecting the environment. In 2009 she joined the 10:10 project in a bid to help her reduce her carbon footprint. She explained that, as she was brought up on a farm, she has no problem wearing extra layers instead of turning up the thermostat. Giving up meat was for her a different story, however, saying: "My dad is a beef farmer so he wouldn't be best pleased. I tried going veggie once, but it lasted about four hours."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In August 2014 Cox was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence in the run-up to September's referendum on that issue.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She revealed, when taking part in a one-off celebrity special of The Crystal Maze, that she had voted against Brexit in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Privacy

In June 2003, Cox and her ex-husband Jon received £50,000 in an out-of-court settlement from the British newspaper The People after it printed photographs of her sunbathing naked on her honeymoon in 2001. Cox, who was photographed with a telephoto lens while on a private island, initially complained to the Press Complaints Commission, who found in her favour. The People printed an apology. Cox was unsatisfied, and sued the newspaper in the High Court for a breach of her right to privacy under the Human Rights Act.

The People agreed to an out of court settlement with Cox and her ex-husband before any judgement was made. Cox received £30,000 and he £20,000, The People also agreed to pay the couple's legal costs, reported to be in excess of £100,000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Stalking incident

In July 2017, a convicted child sex offender named Anthony Collins was convicted of stalking Cox, after sending her and her husband Ben a series of letters. He had sent the letters to her home address, which he reportedly obtained after purchasing the address for £17. He subsequently pleaded guilty to harassment and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Charitable activity

Cox was one of 52 celebrities contributing to a children's story entitled Once Upon a Time<ref>"Sara Cox to contribute to a children's story to promote a new charity directory number 118 520", Charities Aid Foundation, 19 February 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2005.</ref> to promote a new charity directory inquiries number 118 520. The book was auctioned with the profits going to the NSPCC. Cox is also a supporter of the animal charity PDSA, and has promoted the charity by being photographed with her pet dog, Snoop, by the late Lord Lichfield.<ref>"PDSA Celebrity supporters" Template:Webarchive, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, 14 October 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2008.</ref>

Cox has also been an ambassador for Centrepoint—the UK's charity for homeless young people—since 2000, making her its longest serving celebrity supporter.Template:Citation needed

In 2006, Cox participated as a celebrity showjumper in the BBC's Sport Relief event Only Fools on Horses.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From 09:30 on 20 March 2017 to 09:30 on 21 March 2017, Cox performed a solo 24-hour danceathon on Radio 2, raising money for Comic Relief, Red Nose Day. She raised over £800,000 for Red Nose Day according to the commentary on television and the newspaper Manchester Evening News.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In November 2025, Cox undertook the Great Northern Marathon Challenge to raise money for BBC Children in Need. She covered the 135 miles from Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds on foot over a period of 5 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the live broadcast of Children in Need on Friday 14 November 2025 it was announced that the total raised by Cox was £9,523,028.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards and honours

In November 2006, Cox was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bolton for contributions to broadcasting.<ref name="Degree">Template:Cite news</ref>

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1996–1997	The Girlie Show	Co-presenter
2006	Hustle	Herself	Cameo role
2007	The Album Chart Show	Presenter
2009, 2010	Angela and Friends	Guest appearance/guest presenter	Cameo role
2009	The BRIT Awards: Red Carpet	Co-presenter
2010	What Do Kids Know?	Team captain
2011	Eurovision Song Contest 2011	UK Commentator	Semi Finals
2012	Eurovision Song Contest 2012
2013	Never Mind the Buzzcocks	Guest presenter	1 episode
2014	The Great Children in Need Sewing Bee	Presenter
2015–2017	The Great Pottery Throw Down	Presenter	2 series
2016	Too Much TV	Co-presenter	1 series
	Britain's Most Spectacular Backyard Builds	Co-presenter	1 series
2017	One Love Manchester	Co-presenter	Television coverage
	Children in Need Rocks the 80s	Co-presenter
	Tipping Point : Lucky Stars	Contestant	1 episode (Season 4, Episode 2)
2018	Britain's Favourite Dogs: Top 100	Co-presenter	One-off special
2018–2020	Back in Time for...	Presenter	2 series
	Love in the Countryside	Presenter	1 series; 1 upcoming
2018	The Big NHS Singalong	Co-presenter	One-off special
	This Morning	Guest presenter
2019	The Sara Cox Show	Presenter
2020–present	Between the Covers	Presenter	7 series
2021	Eurovision Song Contest 2021	UK Commentator (stand in)	Semi Finals
2021–present	Morning Live	Presenter
2022	Britain's Top Takeaways<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Co-presenter	With Darren Harriott
2023	Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Behind Doors	Narrator
2024	The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer	Herself / contestant	One Episode<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2025	Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children in Need<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Presenter
2025	The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop (w/t)	Host	Upcoming series<ref name=":0" />

External links

• Template:IMDb name
• Sara Cox (BBC Radio 2)
• Sara Cox's Half Wower (BBC Radio 2)
• Morning Live (BBC One)
• Between the Covers (BBC Two)
• Sara Cox's vegetable growing blog on the BBC's Dig In site