Snooker stars name for return of Large Break as Shaun Murphy gives to host iconic BBC present

Snooker stars have been calling for a revived model of Large Break, the long-lasting BBC present, as a becoming tribute to the late John Virgo

Shaun Murphy speaking to Sporting Life

Shaun Murphy mentioned the prospect of internet hosting Large Break. (Picture: Sporting Life)

Shaun Murphy has declared that he would leap on the alternative to host a revival of Large Break, ought to the beloved programme make a return to tv. The long-lasting BBC present was a fixture of Saturday evening viewing all through the Nineties. It was fronted by comic Jim Davidson, with the late John Virgo serving as co-host. A spotlight of the present featured Virgo demonstrating trick pictures to each the studio viewers and contestants.

Virgo, a legendary voice in snooker commentary, handed away in February this 12 months. The World Championship on the Crucible in Sheffield has paid a number of heartfelt tributes to the long-lasting participant and commentator. Murphy has urged {that a} revival of Large Break, which final aired in 2002, would function a becoming tribute to the previous UK Championship winner.

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“It could be up there within the prime two or three doable tributes to JV would not it? Large Break was simply a part of all of our childhoods,” Murphy advised Sporting Life.

He added: “I used to be truly in dialog many, a few years in the past with the creator of Large Break, who put me ahead as he wished me to be one of many hosts. I used to be completely delighted to be included within the dialog.

“Unsure the place that dialog went, but it surely’s not on the display but. If it had been to return again they usually got here calling, I am in.”

He additional floated the concept of Paddy McGuinness or Vernon Kay taking over internet hosting duties, earlier than declaring: “If I get requested, I am doing it!”

Recalling his reminiscences of the programme, Murphy mentioned: “I went on Junior Large Break. That was a bit spin-off they did, and I keep in mind I needed to costume up as JV.

Professional Snooker player and game show television host John Virgo from the BBC's Big Break

John Virgo sadly died earlier this 12 months. (Picture: BBC)

“In the event that they ask me to host Large Break, I am in!”
The likes of Shaun Murphy, John Higgins and Mark Selby all need the return of Large Break to honour John Virgo and to assist develop snooker. Agree? pic.twitter.com/6FmNiqY9uD
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) April 27, 2026

“The make-up division caught an outdated beard on me, and I needed to stroll out, faux to say ‘pot as many balls as you’ll be able to!’ I used to be solely 11 or 12 or no matter I used to be.”

A number of different snooker professionals, together with Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Barry Hawkins, John Higgins and Kyren Wilson, have thrown their weight behind a possible revival of the programme.

“That was one of many the explanation why I obtained into snooker,” Wilson mentioned. “My Saturday evening was spent in entrance of the tv, watching the legend that’s John Virgo.”

Allen added: “Completely, not only for John, however for the game. Proper now, it is clearly very handy to do it for John, however I believe it will be nice for serving to develop the sport .”