The snooker-themed game show originally ran from 1991 until 2002 (Picture: BBC Archives)
The BBC has announced the shock return of an iconic 90s snooker-themed game show.
Big Break, which first aired in 1991 and ran until 2002, was originally hosted by Jim Davidson and John Virgo, who died earlier this year at the age of 79.
Now, in a re-imagined version for audiences alongside the corporation’s current snooker coverage, Paddy McGuinness and snooker legend Stephen Hendry will helm the new show as hosts.
The duo will be joined in the studio by professional snooker players from across the globe straight off the competition circuit in a bid to win their contestants the cash prize.
Audiences will also be able to see Stephen show off some trick shots.
Discussing the announcement, Paddy said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Big Break.
Big Break, hosted by John Virgo (left) and Jim Davidson (right), was seen by millions on primetime BBC (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)
Paddy McGuinness is set to host the iconic 90s show on the BBC (Picture: Comic Relief)
‘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!’
Stephen also 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.’
Virgo was a huge star of British television in the 1990s thanks to Big Break, which went out to millions on primetime BBC.
What does Metro think about Big Break’s return?
Metro’s assistant editor Lucy Mapstone shares her thoughts…
The return of one of my favourite 90s TV shows has already sent a shiver down my spine – I absolutely adored Big Break when I was a child, as did everyone I knew, young and old.
I had zero interest in snooker (and I still don’t), but the Big Break had a magic touch that would just make you care about the game for the duration of the broadcast. It was proper event TV on a Saturday night along with the likes of Gladiators and The Generation Game, and with one of the most memorable theme tunes of the decade.
I’m keen to see how Paddy and Stephen turn this into their own show, but they do have a tough act to follow, especially regarding the late, great John Virgo and his stunning array of trick shots and waistcoats. Will Big Break 2026 follow the resounding success of the Gladiators reboot, or will it follow the same path as the forgettable, brief revival of The Generation Game in 2018? I can only pray for the former.
Cues at the ready!
Speaking of his success alongside Davidson on the hit show, Virgo previously told The Express: ‘I always remember, Jim had a bit of a reputation in the business for being hard work. A few people asked me, “How are you getting on working with Jim Davidson?” I said, “He doesn’t bother me, I worked with [Alex] Higgins for 20 years!” I wasn’t daunted by working with Jim.
‘It’s a funny thing about life. He’s your crafty Conservative comedian and I’m your dour northern socialist. How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked.
‘Although Jim didn’t know much about snooker, what a funny man and a very generous man to work with. We really got on well. Besides, when you’re in those positions, the most important thing is that the show works.’
Following his death, the 2026 John Virgo Trophy tournament was held in April to honour the late star, with Ronnie O’Sullivan winning the inaugural event.
Big Break, hosted by the late Virgo, was a huge hit in the 1990s (Picture: BBC Archive)
Former player and BBC pundit Stephen Hendry will be Paddy’s co-host on Big Break (Photo by Sam Bloxham/Getty Images)
Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, described how snooker fans and professionals had been ‘calling for Big Break’s return’.
He added: ‘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.
‘The recent World Championships pulled in 120million viewing hours, so pairing upcoming live coverage with the new Big Break will mean audiences can come together with the whole family to enjoy more of what they want.’
Are you excited for Big Break to return?
Yes – what a blast from the past!Check
No – it was never my thingCheck
Stay ahead of snooker’s next big break with Metro’s resident expert Phil Haigh in his new weekly newsletter.
Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, also described it as the ‘perfect time’ to bring back such a brilliant show.
‘With Paddy and Stephen at the helm, we can promise fun and trick shots in equal measure especially off the back of another successful Snooker World Championship on the BBC,’ he said.
‘It’s the perfect watch for all the family whether in real time or on iPlayer. I can see the massive ‘cues’ for the next championships now!’
Further details and information about when the series will begin will be announced in due course.
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Stay ahead of snooker’s next big break with Metro’s resident expert Phil Haigh in his new weekly newsletter.