Big Break - Format of The Show

Format of The Show

The show was presented by comedian Jim Davidson and former snooker player, later commentator, John Virgo, who was known for being the butt of many of Davidson's jokes. The show's theme song is The Snooker Song, from the musical The Hunting of the Snark composed by Mike Batt and performed by Captain Sensible.

The show was renowned for its light-hearted and comedic tone for many reasons. One of which was the chemistry between Davidson and Virgo, in which Davidson would frequently mock Virgo for his dress-sense or personality. This made many viewers sympathetic for Virgo. However, Virgo would occasionally come back with wisecracks and insults, one example involved Davidson telling Virgo he would talk very slow because Virgo was a northerner, before Virgo said "Well, Jim, I know you're a southerner, so I'm not going to listen.". Other comic aspects were the occasional contestant who failed to understand many of the questions they were asked, and the light-hearted personality of snooker players, most notably Dennis Taylor.

The show's set consisted of a snooker table and three pairs of chairs at the side of the studio, with Virgo standing on the opposite side of the snooker table and the question board which would be revealed in the second round. The show began with Davidson giving a short monologue and then introducing Virgo who would enter the set with a bag of snooker balls which would be used in the first round.

All contestants would go home with at least a Big Break trophy, regardless of which round they reached.