The renowned snooker game show Big Break is making a comeback, as the BBC has confirmed the return with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry set to host. The series will showcase top snooker stars competing for cash prizes on the revamped show.
Expressing excitement about joining the new series, McGuinness stated, “I am thrilled to be part of Big Break. It is a beloved show, and hosting alongside Stephen Hendry will be truly special.” Hendry, a seven-time World Snooker Championship winner, shared, “Big Break offered a unique blend of trick shots and entertainment. I am eager to bring this fantastic show to a new audience, hoping to inspire the next generation of snooker players.”
Production for the upcoming series will kick off soon and will be broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. More details on viewing options will be announced in due course.
The return of Big Break comes after the passing of John Virgo, who was closely associated with the show in the 1990s. Tributes to Virgo were a common theme during the recent 2026 World Snooker Championships aired by the BBC.
Chinese prodigy Wu Yize, aged 22, clinched the world championship title at the Crucible this month, attracting nearly four million viewers to his thrilling 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy in the final. The growing interest in snooker following this event has set the stage for the revival of Big Break.
Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, expressed excitement about the show’s return, stating, “Fans and professionals alike have been eagerly awaiting Big Break’s comeback. This revamped series will feature well-known and emerging snooker talents, appealing to the vast online snooker community and BBC viewers.”
Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, added, “The timing feels perfect for the return of this fantastic show. With Paddy and Stephen leading the way, viewers can expect a blend of fun and impressive shots, building on the success of the recent Snooker World Championship. Whether watching in real-time or on iPlayer, Big Break promises great entertainment for the whole family.”
The upcoming Big Break series is poised to offer a mix of excitement and entertainment, catering to snooker enthusiasts of all ages.
