Snooker stars want return of Big Break as Shaun Murphy offers to host | Other | Sport

Shaun Murphy has declared that he would leap at the opportunity to host a revival of Big Break, should the beloved programme make a return to television. The iconic BBC show was a fixture of Saturday night viewing throughout the 1990s. It was fronted by comedian Jim Davidson, with the late John Virgo serving as co-host. A highlight of the show featured Virgo demonstrating trick shots to both the studio audience and contestants.

“It would be up there in the top two or three possible tributes to JV wouldn’t it? Big Break was just part of all of our childhoods,” Murphy told Sporting Life.

He added: “I was actually in conversation many, many years ago with the creator of Big Break, who put me forward as he wanted me to be one of the hosts. I was absolutely delighted to be included in the conversation.

“Not sure where that conversation went, but it’s not on the screen yet. If it were to come back and they came calling, I’m in.”

He further floated the idea of Paddy McGuinness or Vernon Kay taking on hosting duties, before declaring: “If I get asked, I’m doing it!”

Recalling his memories of the programme, Murphy said: “I went on Junior Big Break. That was a little spin-off they did, and I remember I had to dress up as JV.

“The make-up department stuck an old beard on me, and I had to walk out, pretend to say ‘pot as many balls as you can!’ I was only 11 or 12 or whatever I was.”

A host of other snooker professionals, including Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Barry Hawkins, John Higgins and Kyren Wilson, have thrown their weight behind a potential revival of the programme.

“That was one of the reasons why I got into snooker,” Wilson said. “My Saturday night was spent in front of the television, watching the legend that is John Virgo.”

Allen added: “Absolutely, not just for John, but for the sport. Right now, it’s obviously very convenient to do it for John, but I think it’ll be great for helping grow the game .”