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Jim Davidson has taken aim at the BBC following their announcement a reboot of Big Break is on the way, claiming the broadcaster "doesn't know how to make a TV programme." Big Break first hit screens in 1991 on BBC One, with Davidson hosting alongside the late snooker icon John Virgo, who sadly passed away aged 79 in February. The beloved game show paired members of the public with professional snooker players, with contestants answering questions to allow the pros to pot balls and win them prize money.

It rapidly became one of the most popular programmes on British television, pulling in a staggering 13.9 million viewers at its peak. The much-loved show ran for 10 series and over 200 episodes before ending in 2002. Now, however, the BBC has opted to revive the classic daytime TV show, with comedian and actor Paddy McGuinness and snooker legend Stephen Hendry lined up to front the new version. Davidson has since delivered his rather pointed assessment of the decision.

"It's gonna be a tough act to follow," he said on his YouTube channel. "It was a great, great programme on the Saturday nights and maybe in the week as well. We were pulling in thousands and thousands and thousands. We used to film four a day and it was hard work. It was. It's not an easy show to do, trust me on that.

"Plus, the BBC doesn't really know how to make TV programmes, so there you go. Deal with that. Paddy McGuinness, I don't know him so I can't comment, but I don't know what he does?

"Is he a comic? Like Vernon Kay, just reads the autocue or what? I don't know. It needs someone who is a little bit more than an autocue reader. Stephen Hendry I admire and I like.

"He's a nice guy. I like him a lot. Whether he is John Virgo... John Virgo was brought in because he was funny. He was the snooker player's comedian. That's why it worked.

"I have the ability to ad lib and live and bounce on my feet and John and I developed this chemistry. I hope that this Paddy McGuinness and Stephen Hendry try and pull something together.

"It's a big act to follow, lads but I wish you luck. Don't look back at what we did and carry on and do what you want to do. Whether the public will take to you, that's up to you guys.

"I wish I were doing it. Not for the BBC because I can't bear them. But Paddy and Stephen, I and John up there somewhere in the great gambling den in the sky, we wish you luck."

The BBC has confirmed that Big Break will make its return towards the latter part of 2026 on daytime television, airing on BBC Two and iPlayer. This freshly revived edition will "stay true to the spirit of the original show," while incorporating a thoroughly updated approach.

Filming is set to get underway shortly, with co-host Hendry commenting: "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."