BBC confirm return of iconic TV show as World Snooker Championship star ignored | Other | Sport
The BBC have confirmed the much-loved snooker show ‘Big Break’ will make a return, but one World Championship star has been snubbed. Big Break ran from the early 1990s before being discontinued in the early 2000s, but following a recent surge in popularity for snooker, it’s set to return.
The game show will be broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer, and will see big names from across the world of snooker compete in a bid to earn contestants cash prizes. It’s said the reimagined version of the show will have a ‘mix of fast-paced snooker frames with a relaxed, comedic atmosphere’, and will be presented by TV host Paddy McGuinness and snooker icon, Stephen Hendry.
What’s more, audiences will see three contestants, alongside their designated professional, battle it out across three rounds of trick shot challenges. The finale is where the big cash prize will be handed out, with applications for contestants having already opened.
Speaking after the announcement, 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!”
While Hendry remarked: “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.”
Further details surrounding the show’s return, including ticket information and when it will be broadcast, is expected to be announced in due course. However, it’s bad news for Shaun Murphy, given the 2005 world champion had offered to host the show, should it be given the green light for a return.
Speaking during last month’s World Championship, the eventual runner-up told Sporting Life: “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.
“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. If I get asked, I’m doing it!”
