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Dogs and potatoes to replace showbiz gossip on Sara Cox's new Radio 2 Breakfast Show

Sara Cox plans to chat about dogs, gardening and potatoes when big Hollywood stars visit her new Radio 2 Breakfast Show, but she needs to perfect doing her make-up at 5.30AM

[Sara Cox]

The new Radio 2 Breakfast Show kicks off next week

New Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Sarah plans to ask superstars about 'dogs and gardening' so listeners find it more relatable.

The Bolton DJ launches her new show on Monday (July 6) with Hollywood great Tom Hanks as her first guest, but she hopes to keep the vibe down-to-earth. In fact she'd rather discuss normal stuff than showbiz gossip with celebs that appear with her.

Cox told the Radio Times: Its lovely asking big guests about scripts and music videos, but not everyone can relate to that.

I want to bring the megastars into the Radio 2 world. Our listeners care about dogs, holidays, gardening and potatoes, so Ill ask my guests if theyve ever been in a motorhome or their preferred way of cooking a potato. And the real stars are still going to be the listeners.

[Sarah Cox]

Dogs and gardening are more important than showbiz gossip for Cox(Image: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

The 51-year-old joined Radio 2 in 1999 but admits she had to persuade bosses that there was more to her than the 'ladette' image portrayed by the media during early presenting gigs like, The Girlie Show.

There was definitely a period where I had to persuade TV commissioners that I could be warm, funny and kind, she says.

Women in the 90s were often portrayed as wild party girls and there was a bit of shame attached to that, as if we shouldnt have been out having a good time.

"Moving to Radio 2 was a massive step. I kept asking for meetings and pitching ideas until eventually I got my foot in the door."

[Radio Times]

Cox admits she has "butterflies" in the Radio Times(Image: Radio Times)

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Cox admits there will be "a few butterflies" but has already been embarking on dry runs: For our pilot shows Ive been up at 5am, out of the door by 5.30. I can do my make- up in eight minutes.

"It looks like someones thrown handfuls of make-up at me, but hopefully by 8.30 Ill look less like Aunt Sally as it slides off my face."

And before the show has even kicked off Cox has her post Breakfast Show life mapped out: "Having my own farm is very much the dream.

"Im happiest in my riding gear and scruffy clothes. I absolutely see myself one day with windswept hair, rescue sheep, a retired Nellie living her best life, and maybe a wonky donkey and some laying hens named after pop stars Whitney, Prince and a cockerel called Stormzy.

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