The popular snooker game show, Big Break, is set to make a comeback with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as hosts, as confirmed by the BBC. The revamped series will feature top snooker stars competing for cash prizes. McGuinness expressed excitement about hosting alongside Hendry, while Hendry looks forward to bringing the beloved show to a new audience.
Production for the series will start soon and will be broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. The announcement of the show’s return follows the recent passing of John Virgo, a key figure in the 1990s Big Break era. The BBC aims to capitalize on the renewed interest in snooker, notably after 22-year-old Wu Yize became the world champion, attracting millions of viewers during the recent World Snooker Championships.
BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, Rob Unsworth, stated that the return of Big Break is a response to the demand from fans and professionals. The revamped show will feature both established and emerging snooker personalities, aligning with the extensive online snooker community. Alex McLeod, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, emphasized the show’s entertainment value and promised an engaging experience for viewers, building on the success of the recent Snooker World Championship.
With Paddy and Stephen leading the show, viewers can anticipate a blend of fun and skillful shots, making it a family-friendly watch. The BBC’s decision to bring back Big Break aligns with the growing interest in snooker, offering audiences more of the content they enjoy.