Big Break Returns: McGuinness & Hendry Host Snooker Reboot

BBC Daytime has announced the revival of the popular snooker game show, Big Break, for BBC Two and iPlayer. The series will be co-hosted by Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, integrating it with BBC Sport's snooker coverage. Naked and Vibrant Television are producing the reimagined show, which will feature professional players competing for a cash prize.

The new Big Break promises an updated look and feel, with Stephen Hendry showcasing trick shots. The show will combine fast-paced snooker frames with a relaxed, comedic atmosphere, offering audiences an immersive experience from various on-table perspectives. The 20-episode series will begin production soon, aiming to engage the existing snooker fandom. Paddy McGuinness expressed his delight in hosting the iconic show alongside Stephen Hendry, anticipating a "special" experience. Stephen Hendry highlighted the original's unique mix of trick shots and entertainment, looking forward to bringing it to a new generation of viewers and potentially inspiring future players.

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime, noted the fan demand for the show's return and emphasized how the revamp will feature prominent and up-and-coming faces in snooker, capitalizing on the sport's significant online and BBC viewership, which saw 120 million viewing hours for the recent World Championships.

Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, felt it was the opportune moment for Big Break's return, promising fun and trick shots with Paddy and Stephen at the helm, especially following another successful Snooker World Championship on the BBC. Tom O'Brien, Managing Director of Naked, and Mobashir Dar, CEO of Vibrant Television, both expressed excitement about bringing the iconic show back to screens for a new audience to enjoy.

Further details regarding the broadcast schedule for Big Break will be announced in due course. The show is commissioned by Rob Unsworth, with Alex McLeod serving as the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime. Executive producers include Paul Broadbent and Eve Winstanley for Naked, and Bernard Markey for Vibrant Television.