The hugely popular BBC snooker game show Big Break is set to return to TV screens with two new hosts confirmed
Stephen Hendry, pictured alongside former hosts Jim Davidson and John Virgo, will co-host alongside Paddy McGuinness(Image: BBC)
The BBC have confirmed the return of iconic snooker game show Big Break with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as the hosts. The broadcaster has stated that the series will be reimagined as some of snooker’s top stars fight it out to win cash prizes for contestants.
Speaking on being part of the new series, McGuinness said: “I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Big Break. It is one of those shows everyone knows and loves so to be hosting it alongside legend Stephen Hendry will be something special. Bring it on!”
Seven-time World Snooker Championship winner Stephen Hendry added: “Big Break was a unique mix of trick shots and great entertainment and I can’t wait to be back at the table and bringing this incredible show to a whole new audience and who knows, we might inspire the next generation of snooker players to get into the sport.”
Production for the series is set to begin shortly and will air on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer with further details on how and where to watch the show will emerge.
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News of its return has been made official in the months following the tragic passing of John Virgo, who was synonymous with the game show during the 1990s.
Tributes to the former player and pundit were regular during the 2026 World Snooker Championships that aired on the BBC.
22-year-old Chinese prodigy Wu Yize was crowned as world champion at the Crucible earlier this month with the BBC appearing set to capitalise on a renewed interest in the sport.
Nearly four million viewers watched his thrilling 18-17 victory against Shaun Murphy in the final with just over a million people tuning into a bizarre frame he had with Mark Allen in the semi-finals.
On the return of Big Break, the BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning Rob Unsworth said: “Snooker fans and pros alike have been calling for Big Break’s return, so we’re excited to confirm they’ll get their wish – and can even apply to take part.
“This revamp will showcase some of the game’s best known and up-and-coming faces, as well as tapping into the deep well of snooker fandom online and already on the BBC.
“The recent World Championships pulled in 120million viewing hours, so pairing upcoming live coverage with the new Big Break will mean audiences can come together with the whole family to enjoy more of what they want.”
Alex McLeod, who is Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime also stated: “It felt like the perfect time to bring back such a brilliant show, and with Paddy and Stephen at the helm, we can promise fun and trick shots in equal measure especially off the back of another successful Snooker World Championship on the BBC.
“It’s the perfect watch for all the family whether in real time or on iPlayer. I can see the massive ‘cues’ for the next championships now!”
