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Sara Cox tipped to replace Scott Mills for Eurovision 2026

She's already proved a popular addition in the past.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 1st April 2026

Greater Manchester’s very own Sara Cox is reportedly set to replace Scott Mills at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following his sacking from the BBC.

Mills was axed by the news and entertainment corporation on Monday, 1 April, for ‘misconduct’, which has now been revealed to involve a historic relationship with a boy aged under 16.

The case was originally dropped back in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had insufficient evidence to charge him; the BBC have also apologised for failing to properly investigate the broadcaster after allegations were raised last year.

While the fallout surrounding Scott Mills is only just beginning, the task of finding his replacement in multiple roles has already begun – though it looks like one may have already been decided.

Now reported by multiple outlets, it appears as though Bolton-born Sara Cox is first in line to pick up Mills’ co-hosting duties for this year’s Eurovision show.

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Having already been involved with coverage of the event on multiple ocassions in the past, it now appears that she’ll be in post for the Grand Final too.

As a long-standing radio and TV staple, it only takes a quick look at social media to see how much backing she has already received in the past, with a post from last year reading, “Great to have Sara Cox back commentating on Eurovision“, and others from over a decade ago praising her past presenting.

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In fact, it might not end just here either, as many are already calling for her to replace the 53-year-old breakfast show host.

From her days as a Radio 1 favourite to becoming a BBC mainstay across the board, her popularity only seems to have grown over the last decade, especially thanks to her charity fundraising efforts.

While an official announcement is yet to be made, the feeling is that it is all but confirmed for her to take over from Mills as part of the Eurovision commentary team.

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As for the now vacant early morning slot on BBC Radio 2, the likes of Claudio Winkleman, Vernon Kay, fellow Manc Nick Grimshaw, the aforementioned Rylan, and several others have all been floated as potential stand-ins/future full-time hosts.

Do you think both should be given to Sara Cox, and if not, who would you like to see replace Scott Mills?

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Featured Images — Bryan Ledgard/ESC Discord (via Flickr)

News

Millions of UK workers to get pay rises from today as National Living and Minimum Wage increases

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant People working on computers in an office

Millions of workers across the UK are set to begin receiving substantial pay rises from today.

After the Government announced back in November that it would take the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission, and increase both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, those changes have now come into force in a bid to ensure people on lower incomes are ‘properly rewarded’ for their work.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Low Pay Commission, it’s an independent body made up of employers, trade unions, and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage.

As mentioned, the rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission. 

This means that the living wage, for eligible workers who are aged 21 and over, has now risen by 4.1% from today to £12.71 an hour.

For a full-time worker, that means a pay increase of £900 a year.

Millions of workers in the UK are getting pay rises from today / Credit: John Kakuk (via Unsplash) | Pexels

The National Minimum Wage rate for workers aged 18 to 20-year-olds has also increased today by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour, and then for 16 to 17-year-olds, and those on apprenticeships, the rate has increased by 6% to £8 an hour.

“The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society,” commented Baroness Philippa Stroud, who is Chair of the Low Pay Commission.

“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.

“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.

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Workers aged 21 and over are now legally entitled to the National Living Wage after the age threshold for the highest rate was lowered from 23 in 2024.

National Minimum Wage rates are available to workers aged 16 upwards.

Featured Image – Israel Andrade (via Unsplash)

News

Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The M60 has been closed in both directions today after a man fell from Barton Bridge

A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.

Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.

The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.

The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.

Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.

National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.

In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).

“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”

GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.

“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”

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Featured image: Google Maps

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