The BBC is re-racking the balls and chalking the cues again after announcing that classic TV gameshow Big Break will return after 24 years away.
Seven-time snooker world champion Stephen Hendry is to co-host the series alongside presenter and comic Paddy McGuinness in a reboot of a show that originally ran for 10 series from 1991 to 2002.
Hendry is to take on the trick-shot challenges performed by the late John Virgo in the original series, while McGuinness will fill the shoes of Jim Davidson. The memorable theme tune will also be brought back.
The BBC says the show will be “reimagined” for today’s audiences with an “addictive mix of fast-paced snooker frames with a relaxed, comedic atmosphere”. Each episode will see three contestants helped by professional snooker players to compete for cash prizes.
Hendry, 57, said in a statement: “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.”
McGuinness, known for TV shows Phoenix Nights, Take Me Out and Top Gear, 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!”
A fresh-faced Hendry appeared in the first episode of Big Break in 1991, and the series ran for 11 years as a Saturday evening staple on BBC One. The new series, with 20 half-hour episodes to be made, has been commissioned by BBC Daytime and Early Peak for BBC Two and iPlayer.
The revival follows the successful recent return of another 1990s family favourite, Gladiators, by the BBC. Darts gameshow Bullseye has also made a recent comeback on ITV.
