Angela Scanlon is new Radio 2 drivetime host

BBC Radio 2 is heading into autumn with a host of exciting presenter changes, including Angela Scanlon taking over Drivetime and a number of new signings across the station.

• Angela Scanlon will become the new host of Radio 2’s Drivetime, broadcasting weekdays from 4–7pm, with her new show launching in November.
• Angela returns to Radio 2 on a full-time basis after hosting Drivetime shows over the summer.
• She brings extensive experience across radio, television and podcasting, including BBC Eurovision, The Apprentice: Unfinished Business, This Morning and her chart-topping podcast Get A Grip.
• Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, welcomes Angela back to the station, highlighting her warmth, quick wit and popularity with listeners.
• Angela has a long-standing connection with Radio 2, having made her debut on the station’s Sunday early breakfast show in 2018 and previously covered shows for some of its biggest presenters.

Angela Scanlon says: “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!

“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.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Angela back to the Radio 2 family on a full-time basis. She’s incredibly warm and quick witted and proved to be extremely popular with the Radio 2 audience this summer. She’s already well known to our listeners through her extensive work over many years across TV and Radio and I always knew she’d make a triumphant return here! Drivetime is such an important show in terms of ensuring people get home and start their evenings in a positive and upbeat mood, and I’m delighted Angela will be taking up the reins in November. 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.”

Angela Scanlon’s career

Angela Scanlon is one of the most recognisable broadcasters working across Britain and Ireland, with a career spanning radio, television, live entertainment and podcasting.

In 2026, she has already:

• Co-hosted the BBC’s Eurovision coverage alongside Rylan.
• Fronted BBC Two’s The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.
• Co-hosted her chart-topping weekly podcast Get A Grip.
• Regularly presented ITV’s This Morning.

Angela has also built an extensive radio career. She made her BBC Radio 2 debut on the Sunday early breakfast show, where she presented from 2018 to 2021, as well as covering for some of the station’s biggest names, including Steve Wright.

In 2024, she succeeded Graham Norton as host of Virgin Radio UK’s Weekend Breakfast, before returning to Radio 2 this summer to present Drivetime.

Her television career began with her acclaimed 2014 RTÉ documentary Oi Ginger! and has since included presenting Robot Wars, The One Show, four series of BBC Two’s Your Home Made Perfect, the BAFTAs, The Voice and T in the Park.

In Ireland, Angela hosted her own Saturday night entertainment show on RTÉ One, Angela Scanlon’s Ask Me Anything, welcoming guests including Chris O’Dowd, Minnie Driver, Rob Delaney and Martin Compston. In 2023, she took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Alongside her television and radio work, Angela co-hosts Get A Grip, a weekly podcast showcasing her candid approach, unfiltered wit and distinctive take on modern life.

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