The BBC has announced that Big Break, the much-loved snooker-themed game show, will return to screens after a 24-year absence. The revived series will air on BBC Two and iPlayer, with Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry at the helm.
The format will see three contestants paired with professional snooker players in three rounds of trick shots, leading to a dramatic finale. The show aims to capture the relaxed, comedic atmosphere of the original while showcasing new trick shots from Hendry. Audiences will have a closer view of the action, with cameras placed on the table and behind the ball.
Commissioning editor Alex McLeod said the time was right to bring back the show, especially after the success of the World Snooker Championship on the BBC, which attracted 120 million viewing hours. Head of BBC Daytime Rob Unsworth noted that fans had been calling for the return, and that the revamp would feature well-known and up-and-coming snooker faces.
The 20-episode series, each 30 minutes long, will be produced by Naked, a Fremantle label, in co-production with Vibrant Television. Executive producers are Paul Broadbent and Eve Winstanley for Naked, with Bernard Markey for Vibrant Television. International distribution will be handled by All3Media International and Fremantle International.
McGuinness expressed his delight at hosting the show, while Hendry said he couldn't wait to be back at the table and inspire a new generation of players. Production is set to begin shortly, with further details on broadcasting dates to be announced soon.
