Fan-favourite BBC sports show to return after 24 years with seven-time world champion as host

The iconic BBC show Big Break is set to return with seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry starring.

Paddy McGuinness will also be hosting the show, which has been off air since 2002, with the Scotsman.

Big Break is a snooker-themed game show that became hugely popular thanks to John Virgo.

Virgo sadly passed away earlier this year, but he wowed TV audiences up and down the country with trick shots.

This version will see Hendry and McGuinness joined in the studio by a variety of current professional snooker players.

The idea will be for them to try and win contestants they represent cash.

The format will be like the original, so each episode is three contestants with their professionals battling it out in three rounds of trick shots to reach a final.

In a statement from the BBC, they outline what fans can expect from the new-look Big Break.

It read: “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.”

On top of that, McGuinness added: “I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Big Break. It 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!”

And despite being well into retirement, Hendry is really looking forward to it as well.

He said: “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.”

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Rob Unsworth, who is the head of daytime TV on the BBC, said: “Snooker fans and pros alike have been calling for Big Break’s return, so we’re excited to confirm they’ll get their wish – and can even apply to take part.

“This revamp will showcase some of the game’s best known and up-and-coming faces, as well as tapping into the deep well of snooker fandom online and already on the BBC.

“The recent World Championship pulled in 120 million 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.”

Legendary show returns

Only a few ago during the World Snooker Championship, you had players calling for Big Break to return.

Runner-up Shaun Murphy actually pushed himself to be the host before Hendry was announced.

He said: “It would be up there in the top two or three possible tributes to JV wouldn’t it? Big Break was just part of all of our childhoods.

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 “I was actually in conversation many, many years ago with the creator of Big Break, who put me forward as he wanted me to be one of the hosts. I was absolutely delighted to be included in the conversation.

“Not sure where that conversation went, but it’s not on the screen yet. If it were to come back and they came calling, I’m in.”

And former world champion Kyren Wilson also wanted it back, saying: “That was one of the reasons why I got into snooker.

“My Saturday night was spent in front of the television, watching the legend that is John Virgo.”