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John Virgo's wish comes true as BBC make huge announcement and statement released

John Virgo was a fixture on the BBC's snooker coverage right up until his death in February 2026

[John Virgo in 2023]

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John Virgo died in February at the age of 79(Image: Getty Images)

Snooker legend John Virgo was keen to bring back TV show Big Break before his death in February. He raised the possibility in 2022 and now the BBC has confirmed a revival of the programme some 24 years after its final episode aired.

Virgo co-hosted the original show with comedian Jim Davidson. The format of one snooker star and one entertainer will be reprised for the revamp, with seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry joined by former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness.

"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," BBC Daytime said in a statement confirming the return of the programme. "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."

Big Break aired on BBC One during its original run, pairing contestants with snooker talents including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Steve Davis and Hendry himself. The revived show will move to BBC Two and will also be shown on iPlayer.

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In 2022, Virgo suggested Big Break could once again have success on mainstream television. However, he also recognised fellow host Davidson's history of making insensitive jokes could stand in the way of a like-for-like revival.

Jim is a comic genius. Yet he cant appear on television because he has a black mark against his name," the former UK Championship winner said at the time. Its understandable. I just feel its a waste of a talent.

Virgo said the original run of the show was Life-changing, after impressive viewing figures helped his financial situation. We replaced Question of Sport in their slot and the viewing figures were better than they had from the first day," he added.

"We were up against Blind Date and we were getting as many viewers. It was incredible.

[Jim Davidson and John Virgo on Big Break]

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Davidson and Virgo linked up for Big Break's initial run(Image: BBC)

As with the original run, some of the sport's top talents will join members of the public with cash prizes on the line. Upon being announced as the new co-host, Hendry paid tribute to the original run in which he made several guest appearances.

"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.

Virgo remained part of the BBC's snooker coverage even after Big Break left our screens. He was a fixture in the commentary booth and was last heard commentating on the Masters in the month before his death.

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