The BBC has officially announced the revival of the renowned snooker game show Big Break, featuring Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as hosts. The series will be revamped, showcasing top snooker stars competing for cash prizes for contestants.
Expressing excitement about joining the show, McGuinness stated, “Being a 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, a seven-time World Snooker Championship winner, commented, “Big Break offered a unique blend of trick shots and entertainment. I am eager to bring this amazing show to a new audience and hopefully inspire the next generation of snooker players.”
Production for the series will commence soon, airing on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. More details on viewing options will be disclosed later.
The return of Big Break follows the recent passing of John Virgo, who was closely associated with the show in the 1990s. Tributes to Virgo were a common sight during the 2026 World Snooker Championships broadcast on the BBC.
The 22-year-old Chinese talent, Wu Yize, recently clinched the world championship title at the Crucible, garnering significant viewer attention. The final match, where he defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17, drew nearly four million viewers, with over a million tuning in for his remarkable semi-final clash with Mark Allen.
Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, expressed, “The return of Big Break has long been anticipated by snooker fans and professionals. This revamped version will feature well-known and emerging players, catering to the extensive online snooker community and BBC viewers.”
Alex McLeod, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, added, “With Paddy and Stephen leading the show, we promise a blend of fun and skillful shots, following the success of the recent Snooker World Championship. It’s a perfect family watch, whether live or on iPlayer, setting the stage for the upcoming championships.”
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