![\"BIG](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IP_775348-8f3e-e1778596312967.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe snooker-themed game show originally ran from 1991 until 2002 (Picture: BBC Archives)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThe snooker-themed game show originally ran from 1991 until 2002 (Picture: BBC Archives)<\/p>\n
The BBC<\/a> has announced the shock return of an iconic 90s snooker-themed game show.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Now, in a re-imagined version for audiences alongside the corporation\u2019s current snooker coverage, Paddy McGuinness<\/a> and snooker legend Stephen Hendry<\/a> will helm the new show as hosts.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Audiences will also be able to see Stephen show off some trick shots.<\/p>\n Discussing the announcement, Paddy said: \u2018I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Big Break. <\/p>\n \t\t \t\t \u2018It 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!\u2019<\/p>\n Stephen also added: \u2018Big Break was a unique mix of trick shots and great entertainment and I can\u2019t 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.\u2019<\/p>\n Virgo was a huge star of British television in the 1990s thanks to Big Break, which went out to millions on primetime BBC.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhat does Metro think about Big Break’s return?\t\t\t<\/p>\n Metro\u2019s assistant editor Lucy Mapstone shares her thoughts\u2026<\/p>\n The return of one of my favourite 90s TV shows has already sent a shiver down my spine \u2013 I absolutely adored Big Break when I was a child, as did everyone I knew, young and old. <\/p>\n I had zero interest in snooker (and I still don\u2019t), 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.<\/p>\n I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n Cues at the ready!<\/p>\n Speaking of his success alongside Davidson on the hit show, Virgo previously told\u00a0The Express<\/a>: \u2018I always remember, Jim had a bit of a reputation in the business for being hard work. A few people asked me, \u201cHow are you getting on working with Jim Davidson?\u201d I said, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t bother me, I worked with [Alex] Higgins for 20 years!\u201d I wasn\u2019t daunted by working with Jim.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a funny thing about life. He\u2019s your crafty Conservative comedian and I\u2019m your dour northern socialist. How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked.<\/p>\n \u2018Although Jim didn\u2019t know much about snooker, what a funny man and a very generous man to work with. We really got on well. Besides, when you\u2019re in those positions, the most important thing is that the show works.\u2019<\/p>\n Following his death, the 2026 John Virgo Trophy tournament was held in April to honour the late star, with Ronnie O\u2019Sullivan winning the inaugural event.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, described how snooker fans and professionals had been \u2018calling for Big Break\u2019s return\u2019.<\/p>\n He added: \u2018This revamp will showcase some of the game\u2019s best known and up-and-coming faces, as well as tapping into the deep well of snooker fandom online and already on the BBC. <\/p>\n \u2018The 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.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAre you excited for Big Break to return?<\/p>\n Yes – what a blast from the past!Check<\/p>\n No – it was never my thingCheck<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tStay ahead of snooker’s next big break with Metro’s resident expert Phil Haigh in his new weekly newsletter.<\/p>\n Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, also described it as the \u2018perfect time\u2019 to bring back such a brilliant show.<\/p>\n \u2018With 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,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s the perfect watch for all the family whether in real time or on iPlayer. I can see the massive \u2018cues\u2019 for the next championships now!\u2019<\/p>\n Further details and information about when the series will begin will be announced in due course.<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Big](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IP_509021-76e3-e1778595289373.jpg\")
\n\t\tBig Break, hosted by John Virgo (left) and Jim Davidson (right), was seen by millions on primetime BBC (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)<\/p>\n![\"MANCHESTER,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_296770171-2389-e1778592149121.jpg\")
\n\t\tPaddy McGuinness is set to host the iconic 90s show on the BBC (Picture: Comic Relief)<\/p>\n![\"**THIS](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LI_2162925-21c9.jpg\")
\n\t\tBig Break, hosted by the late Virgo, was a huge hit in the 1990s (Picture: BBC Archive)<\/p>\n![\"Halo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2271897703.jpg\")
\n\t\tFormer player and BBC pundit Stephen Hendry will be Paddy\u2019s co-host on Big Break (Photo by Sam Bloxham\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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