The renowned 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 upcoming series will feature top snooker stars competing for cash prizes for contestants in a revamped format.
Expressing his excitement about hosting Big Break, McGuinness mentioned, “Being part of Big Break is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a beloved show, and hosting it alongside the legendary Stephen Hendry will be truly special.”
Stephen Hendry, the seven-time World Snooker Championship winner, added, “Big Break offered a unique blend of trick shots and entertainment. I look forward to bringing this amazing show to a new audience and hopefully inspiring the next generation of snooker players.”
Production for the series is scheduled to start soon, with broadcasts planned on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. Further details on viewing options will be disclosed in due course.
The return of Big Break follows the recent passing of John Virgo, a key figure associated with the show in the 1990s. Tributes to Virgo were a regular feature during the 2026 World Snooker Championships broadcasted on the BBC.
The 22-year-old Chinese talent, Wu Yize, clinched the world championship title at the Crucible earlier this month. The BBC is poised to leverage the renewed interest in the sport, with nearly four million viewers witnessing Wu’s thrilling 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy in the final.
Regarding the revival of Big Break, Rob Unsworth, BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, stated, “The return of Big Break has been eagerly awaited by snooker enthusiasts and professionals. This revamped edition will showcase both established and emerging faces in the game, catering to the extensive online snooker fandom and BBC viewership.”
Alex McLeod, BBC Daytime’s Commissioning Editor, mentioned, “The timing feels perfect for the return of this fantastic show. With Paddy and Stephen leading the way, viewers can expect a blend of fun and impressive shots, following the success of the recent Snooker World Championship on the BBC.”
The show promises to be a delightful watch for families, either in real-time or on iPlayer, offering an entertaining experience for all snooker enthusiasts.
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