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During a memorable event at London’s Clarence House, BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox found herself in an unexpected mix-up involving Queen Camilla and her daughter, Laura Lopes. The occasion, a gathering for authors, took an amusing turn when Sara inadvertently introduced Laura, a 47-year-old art curator, to her mother as if she were meeting the then-Duchess of Cornwall for the first time. Sara, 51, shared this charming anecdote with The Observer New Review, reflecting on the moment she realized her mistake. “I mistook Laura for an author I vaguely knew,” she recounted. “I suggested we go over and say hello to the duchess.”
Much to Sara’s relief, Laura graciously played along with the misunderstanding. As they approached, the penny dropped when Camilla greeted Laura with a warm, affectionate “Hiiii,” revealing her maternal connection. This wasn’t the only encounter between Sara and Queen Camilla. The two crossed paths again at Windsor Castle during a reception for the BBC’s 500 Words creative writing competition, where Sara noted Queen Camilla’s jovial nature.
In addition to their shared moments, Queen Camilla’s fondness for popular entertainment has been highlighted, especially her interest in Strictly Come Dancing. This connection has fueled speculation about Sara potentially stepping into a hosting role on the show. With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman set to depart in December 2025, Sara’s name has been floated as a suitable replacement.
A source shared with The Sun that Sara’s natural, engaging style on her Radio 2 drivetime show makes her a standout candidate. “Her off-the-cuff patter is spot on, and she has a stellar reputation for being an honest, hardworking professional,” the source remarked. “Executives have indeed considered her as a potential fit for the job.”
“Execs have mentioned her name as someone who would be a good fit for the job.”
Rumours are swirling that former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis, 49, and ex-BBC Radio 2 personality Zoe Ball, 55, are in a “straight shoot-out” to co-host Strictly Come Dancing alongside a “female stand-up comedian”.
An insider revealed to The Sun on Sunday: “It’s a straight shoot-out between Zoe, who is the front-runner, and Emma. Only one will get it, not both.
“The senior execs want a traditional presenter working alongside a more left-field person, a female stand-up comedian.
“It’s felt the humour Claudia brought to the show, particularly in her ‘Claudatorium’, needs to carry on.” A BBC spokesperson stated that plans for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will be announced “in due course”.