The BBC has confirmed a revival of the snooker-based entertainment show Big Break, fulfilling a wish expressed by the late John Virgo before his death in February 2026 at the age of 79. Virgo, a snooker legend and longtime BBC commentator, had suggested in 2022 that the programme could return to mainstream television.
New Hosts for the Revived Show
The revived series will feature seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as the snooker expert, alongside comedian and former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness. The original format, pairing a snooker star with an entertainer, will be retained. The show originally aired on BBC One from 1991 to 2002, co-hosted by Virgo and comedian Jim Davidson.
BBC Statement on the Revival
BBC Daytime issued a statement confirming the return: "Audiences will experience the brand-new look and feel to Big Break, as Stephen shows off some incredible new trick shots, the show will have an addictive mix of fast-paced snooker frames with a relaxed, comedic atmosphere. Seeing the show from every angle, home audiences will now be put on the table, behind the ball and into frame, getting up close and personal with the professionals, tapping into the deep well of snooker fandom which already exists online and on the BBC."
The new series will air on BBC Two and be available on iPlayer, a shift from its original home on BBC One. The original run featured guest appearances from snooker greats including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Steve Davis, and Hendry himself.
Virgo's Previous Comments on a Revival
In 2022, Virgo expressed optimism about Big Break's potential return but acknowledged that Davidson's history of making insensitive jokes could hinder a direct revival. "Jim is a comic genius. Yet he can't appear on television because he has a black mark against his name. It's understandable. I just feel it's a waste of a talent," Virgo said at the time.
Virgo described the original show as "life-changing" due to its impressive viewing figures, which improved his financial situation. "We replaced Question of Sport in their slot and the viewing figures were better than they had from the first day. We were up against Blind Date and we were getting as many viewers. It was incredible," he added.
Hendry's Tribute to the Original
Stephen Hendry, who made several guest appearances on the original show, paid tribute upon being announced as co-host. "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," he said.
John Virgo remained a fixture in the BBC's snooker commentary team even after Big Break ended, last heard commentating on the Masters in January 2026, just a month before his death.
