Iconic snooker game show Big Break is returning to screens after 24 years, with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry set to present.
Originally airing on the BBC from 1991 to 2002, each episode features three teams of a contestant and a professional snooker player.
Various rounds see contestants handle questions from the host, while the professional players take on snooker-based elements.
The new, ‘re-imagined’ BBC Two iteration of the popular show will play alongside BBC Sport’s popular snooker coverage.
Paddy, 52, and Stephen, 57, will be joined by pro snooker players from across the globe, hoping to help contestants bag the cash prize.
Paddy 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!’
Iconic snooker game show Big Break is returning to screens after 24 years, with Paddy McGuinness (pictured) and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry set to present
Originally airing on the BBC from 1991 to 2002, each episode features three teams of a contestant and a professional snooker player (Stephen Hendry pictured)
Seven-time world snooker champion Stephen 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.’
Jim Davidson, 72, was the original host of the iconic snooker-themed game show. He co-presented with snooker legend John Virgo, who acted as the referee and trick-shot expert.
At its peak, the show attracted nearly 14 million viewers on Saturday nights and ran for 10 series, producing over 200 shows.
Jim paid tribute to John after he passed away in February aged 79.
He told GB News at the time: ‘He was a great bloke. Ironically, I’m down at Ustream Studios today with the editors, put in a package together for John, who was going to come on my 50-year anniversary TV special we’re doing, alongside you guys as well.
‘Of course, now, the editing is going to turn right into a completely different thing. I spoke to him last week and he was looking forward to coming along. We were going to cut together some film of me and him getting it all wrong.
‘He was a great bloke. He is a great bloke, wherever he is now. I got a call from his beautiful daughter, Brooke-Leah, who told me the bad news.
‘Of course, she’s devastated and in shock and went into some detail. But the bottom line is he was a great guy. I got on brilliantly with him. Everybody loved him.’
John Virgo and Jim Davidson pictured during the show’s original run
Virgo spent 18 years as a professional and reached the World Championship semi-finals in 1979, when he also won the UK Championship.
He retired in 1994 and was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame for his success on the baize and his work as a broadcaster.
Of the reboot, Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, 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.’
Further details will be announced in due course.
