'Big Break' returns to television with Paddy McGuinness, Stephen Hendry as hosts

The BBC has officially announced the return of its iconic snooker entertainment show Big Break, which will come back to television more than two decades after it originally ended in 2002.

The reboot will be hosted by comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness alongside seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, marking a new pairing for the refreshed format.

The original show, which ran throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, combined snooker challenges, trick shots and celebrity entertainment, becoming a Saturday evening staple for BBC audiences.

In the new version, Hendry will take on the role of showcasing trick shots and professional snooker elements, while McGuinness will lead the entertainment and contestant segments. 

According to Daily Mail, the format will continue to pair contestants with professional snooker players as they compete for cash prizes across fast-paced rounds.

The BBC said the revived series will maintain the spirit of the original while introducing a modern production style aimed at today’s audiences. 

Moreover, the show will also feature updated visuals and a refreshed studio format.

Hendry, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, previously appeared in early episodes of the original series during the 1990s. 

As per the outlet, his return to the format marks a full-circle moment for the snooker legend, who retired from professional play in 2012 but has remained active in media and commentary.

McGuinness, known for hosting entertainment formats such as Take Me Out and Top Gear, joins the project as the BBC continues to revive popular legacy shows including Gladiators and Bullseye.