Crucible director delighted to see iconic snooker show Big Break return as momentum grows
Popular 1990s TV show Big Break is returning to our screens for the first time in 24 years
The Crucible’s Elizabeth Newman believes iconic game show Big Break’s return to prime time television is a sign that snooker is once again on the rise.
Big Break was a staple of British television between 1991 and 2002, drawing in audiences of around 13.9 million viewers at its peak, with Jim Davidson hosting the programme alongside the late great voice of snooker John Virgo.
Now it’s coming back to our screens for the first time in 24 years with Paddy McGuiness co-presenting the programme alongside seven-time world champion and popular pundit Stephen Hendry.
“I loved Big Break growing up,” Elizabeth told The Star.
“I can always remember being really excited about it being on. The tricks were amazing and what they achieved was creating a wonderful game show that was just great family fun.”
Elizabeth works as artistic director at the Crucible, playing an important role in setting the vision for the theatre.
However, she admits one of the first things her dad mentioned when she got the role was snooker.
Reflecting on her love for the sport, Elizabeth said: “Growing up my dad loved snooker and played it. But it was my grandma that got me into it. She ran a day centre in Croydon and ran a client centre where she supported people. She’d give talking therapy while playing snooker.
“Growing up we’d go places like Butlins and holiday camps and there were always snooker tables and tournaments going on that she’d want to enter and get involved with.
“It was brilliant to watch. She was always immaculately dressed, had a perm and only small. So the blokes that she’d be playing against would often underestimate her ‘think here we go’ but the moment she breaked or took her first shot, you’d see the shock on their faces and more often than not she would end up winning the game.”
Big Break’s reboot comes amid more great news for snooker fans following an announcement in March that the World Championship would be remaining in Sheffield until at least 2045.
“It had to stay in Sheffield. We want it here in the city as it’s a point of pride. It’s going to be exciting expanding the venue and growing the sport even more,” explained Elizabeth.
She also hopes Big Break’s return can bring more eyes to the sport and encourage younger audiences to give snooker a try.
Elizabeth said: “When things are back on the television it gives it a fresh lease of life. I think snooker’s really popular anyway but I think it can help get more people playing, especially the younger ones.
“I’m looking forward to seeing which players come on the show. I always liked Steve Davis and watching Ronnie O’Sullivan, he was like a baby, a very young man back then.
“I’d like to see some of those guys back on the show, but I’m excited to also see some of the new guys as well.”