The iconic game show Big Break is set to make a comeback with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as hosts, as confirmed by the BBC. The series will feature top snooker stars competing for cash prizes. McGuinness expressed excitement about co-hosting the show with Hendry, while Hendry looks forward to introducing the beloved show to a new audience.
Production for the revamped series will begin soon, airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The show’s return follows the recent passing of John Virgo, a prominent figure associated with Big Break in the 1990s. The 2026 World Snooker Championships paid tribute to Virgo, with the young Chinese player Wu Yize winning the title, attracting millions of viewers.
Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, announced the return of Big Break, stating that the show will feature renowned snooker players and engage with the sport’s online fan base. Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, emphasized the show’s entertainment value with McGuinness and Hendry at the helm, aligning with the success of the recent Snooker World Championship.
With a focus on family-friendly entertainment, the BBC aims to cater to snooker enthusiasts through live coverage and the reimagined Big Break series. The show promises a blend of fun and skillful shots, appealing to a wide audience and hinting at a bright future for snooker championships.
