The renowned snooker game show Big Break is set to make a comeback, as confirmed by the BBC, with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as the hosts. The series will feature top snooker stars competing for cash prizes for contestants, offering a new twist on the classic show.
Expressing excitement about joining the show, McGuinness stated, “Being a part of Big Break is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a beloved show that everyone is familiar with, and hosting it alongside the legendary Stephen Hendry will be a special experience.”
Stephen Hendry, a seven-time World Snooker Championship winner, commented, “Big Break was a unique blend of trick shots and entertainment. I look forward to bringing this amazing show to a new audience and perhaps inspiring the next generation of snooker players.”
Production for the revived series is scheduled to start soon, airing on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. More details on how and where to watch the show will be revealed in due course.
Following the unfortunate passing of John Virgo, who was closely associated with the show in the 1990s, the return of Big Break has been officially announced. Tributes to Virgo were a common sight during the 2026 World Snooker Championships broadcast on the BBC.
The recent World Snooker Championships saw 22-year-old Chinese talent Wu Yize crowned as the world champion at the Crucible, capturing the attention of nearly four million viewers during his thrilling victory against Shaun Murphy in the final.
Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, expressed enthusiasm for the return of Big Break, highlighting the show’s appeal to snooker fans and professionals alike. The revamped series aims to showcase both established and emerging talents in the sport, leveraging the significant online snooker following and the success of the recent World Championships.
Alex McLeod, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the show’s entertainment value and promising a mix of fun and impressive shots with McGuinness and Hendry leading the way. The return of Big Break is expected to be a family-friendly viewing experience, catering to a wide audience on iPlayer and in real-time.
Overall, the revival of Big Break signals an exciting time for snooker enthusiasts, with the BBC gearing up to deliver more engaging content to viewers across various platforms.