Angela Scanlon is making another big career leap, and this time it puts her at the centre of entertainment news Ireland. The Irish presenter has been confirmed as the new permanent host of BBC Radio 2’s coveted Drivetime slot, a high-profile weekday show that reaches millions of listeners across the UK.
The Meath native will take over the 4pm to 7pm programme from November, stepping into the role as Sara Cox’s permanent replacement. It is a major appointment for Scanlon, who has steadily built a reputation as one of the most versatile names in Irish and UK broadcasting.
Angela Scanlon lands a standout BBC role
For followers of Irish entertainment news and celebrity news Ireland, the announcement marks another impressive chapter in Scanlon’s rise. She described the new job as “properly exciting,” saying the idea of speaking to millions of people at the end of their day felt both “strange and lovely.”
In her statement, Scanlon painted a warm picture of what listeners can expect, saying she will be there in their “ears, cars and kitchens,” whether they are doing the school run, heading home from work or trying to figure out dinner for a hungry family. She also hinted at the tone she wants to bring to the show: lively, open and full of personality.
She said she wants:
- The stories that matter to listeners
- Honest opinions and everyday chaos
- Small wins and funny confessions
- A fun, energetic conversation every weekday
A familiar voice returning to Radio 2
This is not Scanlon’s first connection with the station. The BBC welcomed her back to the Radio 2 family after she previously hosted an early Sunday morning programme there between 2018 and 2021. That experience, combined with her sharp on-air style, likely made her a natural fit for one of the network’s most important slots.
Her new role is already generating attention across TV news Ireland, media entertainment Ireland and wider pop culture Ireland, especially given how competitive top-tier presenting jobs can be.
From RTÉ to primetime UK broadcasting
Scanlon’s career has long stretched beyond Ireland. After first becoming well known to Irish audiences through RTÉ, she expanded into the UK market with a series of high-profile projects. Her presenting credits include The One Show, This Morning, Your Home Made Perfect and The Apprentice: Unfinished Business. She also won over fresh audiences when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
She later took on the Virgin Radio weekend breakfast show following Graham Norton’s departure in 2024, further cementing her status as a broadcaster trusted with major national platforms.
Why this move matters
From an industry perspective, this is more than a simple hosting change. It is a sign of Scanlon’s staying power and broad appeal across radio and television. For audiences following entertainment updates Ireland and Irish celebrity news, it is another example of Irish talent securing headline roles on major international outlets.
The Drivetime slot is one of radio’s most influential windows, catching listeners during commutes, family routines and evening downtime. That makes it a powerful stage for any presenter, and one Scanlon appears ready to make her own.
What’s next for Angela Scanlon?
As November approaches, attention will remain firmly on how she shapes the programme and puts her stamp on the show’s tone. If her comments are anything to go by, listeners can expect warmth, wit and plenty of lively moments.
For now, this is one of the brightest stories in entertainment news Ireland: Angela Scanlon has landed a major BBC job, and it underlines just how strong Irish broadcasting talent remains on the international stage. It is a primetime move with real momentum behind it.
