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  "path": "/celebrity/jim-davidson-bbc-big-break-paddy-mcguinness",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-14T10:38:15.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Former UK Eurovision star shares true feelings on Look Mum No Computer entry: 'Not my cup of tea!'",
    "Adil Ray bizarrely says Nigel Farage 'wants to be Muslim' as ITV star risks fresh row in new sketch",
    "Brooklyn Beckham mocked for serving 'cold' food in latest cooking demo amid family estrangement",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nJim Davidson has launched a scathing attack on the BBC following news that Big Break will return to screens.\n\nThe original host, who fronted the snooker-themed game show from 1991 to 2002, took aim at the broadcaster in a video posted to his YouTube channel.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMr Davidson suggested that the corporation \"doesn't really know how to make TV programmes\" as he made his thoughts on the reboot crystal clear.\n\nMr Davidson also cast doubt on whether Paddy McGuinness, who will present the revived series, possesses the necessary skills for the role.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Paddy McGuinness, I don't know him so I can't comment, but I don't know what he does?\" Mr Davidson remarked.\n\n\"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.\"\n\nMr Davidson was more favourable towards former snooker pro Stephen Hendry, describing him as \"a nice guy\" whom he likes \"a lot.\"\n\nHowever, he questioned whether the seven-time world champion could replicate what made the original pairing work so effectively.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"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,\" Mr Davidson explained.\n\nThe comedian reflected on the dynamic that made the original series such a hit, which attracted 13.9 million viewers at its peak.\n\n\"I have the ability to ad lib and live and bounce on my feet, and John and I developed this chemistry,\" he said.\n\n\"I hope that this Paddy McGuinness and Stephen Hendry try and pull something together.\"\n\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Former UK Eurovision star shares true feelings on Look Mum No Computer entry: 'Not my cup of tea!' - EXCLUSIVE\n  * Adil Ray bizarrely says Nigel Farage 'wants to be Muslim' as ITV star risks fresh row in new sketch\n  * Brooklyn Beckham mocked for serving 'cold' food in latest cooking demo amid family estrangement\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSnooker icon Mr Virgo passed away in February at the age of 79.\n\nMr Davidson acknowledged the challenge facing Mr McGuinness and Mr Hendry, telling them directly: \"It's a big act to follow, lads, but I wish you luck.\"\n\nHe urged the new presenters to forge their own path rather than attempting to recreate what came before.\n\n\"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,\" he advised.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite offering the hosts his best wishes, Mr Davidson quickly clarified that his feelings towards the broadcaster remain deeply negative.\n\n\"I wish I were doing it. Not for the BBC because I can't bear them,\" he stated.\n\nHe concluded by invoking his late co-host, saying he and \"John up there somewhere in the great gambling den in the sky\" wished the new duo well.\n\nThe revived Big Break will air on BBC Two and iPlayer towards the end of 2026, with production set to commence shortly.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe new format will see three contestants paired with professional snooker players competing through three rounds of trick shots before a dramatic finale where cash prizes await.\n\nMr Hendry expressed enthusiasm about returning to the baize for the reimagined series.\n\n\"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.\n\nThe BBC has promised the revival will \"stay true to the spirit of the original show\" whilst introducing fresh visual elements and camera perspectives.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Jim Davidson rips into BBC as he speaks out on Big Break reboot after Paddy McGuinness takes over role"
}