Virgo co-hosted the original series alongside comedian Jim Davidson. The winning formula of pairing a snooker star with an entertainer will be retained for the reboot, with seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry teaming up with 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 originally aired on BBC One, with contestants partnered alongside snooker greats including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Steve Davis and Hendry himself. The revamped series will shift to BBC Two and will additionally be available to stream on iPlayer.
Back in 2022, Virgo suggested Big Break could once again find success on mainstream television. However, he also acknowledged that fellow host Davidson’s history of making insensitive jokes could prove a stumbling block to a straight revival of the show.
“Jim is a comic genius. Yet he can’t appear on television because he has a black mark against his name,” the former UK Championship winner said at the time. “It’s understandable. I just feel it’s a waste of a talent.”
Virgo described the original run of the programme as “Life-changing,” after strong viewing figures transformed his financial fortunes. “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.”
As with the original series, some of the sport’s finest players will join members of the public with prize money up for grabs. Upon being unveiled as the new co-host, Hendry paid warm 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 continued to be a familiar face in the BBC’s snooker coverage even after Big Break disappeared from our screens. He was a mainstay in the commentary booth and was last heard calling the action at the Masters in the month before his passing.