Sara Cox has been announced as the host of Radio 2’s all-new Drivetime show.

The news comes a week after Simon Mayo announced he was leaving the station after 17 years, after radio bosses axed him from the same slot.

Simon had presented Drivetime since 2010, but following a shake-up of the show in January he was joined by Jo Whiley, but the pairing didn’t prove to be a hit with listeners.

Sara will take over Drivetime in the New Year in the new time slot of 5-7pm, whilst  Jo Whiley will be launching a new Monday–Thursday show from 7-9pm.

Sara’s show is promised to be “jam packed with listener interaction, brilliant music and fun-filled chat”.

Speaking about her new job, Sara said: “I’ve been proud to be part of the Radio 2 family for a few years now and the opportunity to present such a big show as Drivetime – playing fantastic music and hopefully making people smile as they cook tea or head home after a day’s graft – is the icing on what is already a very brilliant cake.

“I’m beyond chuffed to be given this role and to directly quote my mum on hearing the good news, it is indeed ‘fandabbyruddydozy’.”

It has also been announced that Trevor Nelson will now move his Rhythm Nation show from Saturday nights to each Monday – Thursday night from 10pm – midnight.  

Sara’s appointment to the Drivetime slot follows the announcement that Zoe Ball will be taking the helm of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show after Chris Evans confirmed he is leaving the station.

Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 said: “Sara is hugely popular with the Radio 2 audience and I have every confidence that she’ll make the new Drivetime show her very own. Trevor is one of the leading lights in soul music in the UK, and he’ll bring his curated blend of music to Monday to Thursday nights, which I know our listeners will love. With Zoe Ball at Breakfast and Jo Whiley from 7-9pm each weekday, 2019 looks to be an extremely exciting year for Radio 2.”