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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Jerry Lawton & Latifa Yedroudj

Snooker icon John Virgo wants to revive Big Break - and bring back Jim Davidson

Snooker legend John Virgo wants to revive BBC's hit snooker quiz Big Break - and bring back "comic genius" Jim Davidson.

John gained his fame as a cueman in the popular snooker show, and believes its return would see ratings skyrocket as it did in the 90s. The snooker quiz show attracted 13.9 million viewers before it was axed in 2002.

He said he would be keen to team up with comic Jim Davidson again, bringing back to iconic presenting duo who entertained viewers over a total of 222 episodes. The 68-year-old stand-up comedian has come under fire for his controversial comments and TV appearances, bringing up touchy subjects on women, ethnic minorities, gay people and disabled people.

Read more: ITV Corrie 'drama queen' Mollie Gallagher looks stunning as fans celebrate return to screen

Despite that, John said he is sure the "comic genius" can make a television comeback despite a "black mark" against his name, saying it would be a "waste of talent" for him to leave the entertainment world.

He added: "Jim is a comic genius. Yet he can’t appear on television because he has a black mark against his name.

"It’s understandable. I just feel it’s a waste of a talent.’’

John said he would love to see Big Break back on TV screens across the country, saying that snooker is a sport struggling to stay relevant. Before the show he’d had his house repossessed as his earnings from the sport dried up.

"It was life-changing. We replaced Question of Sport in their slot and the viewing figures were better than they had from the first day.

"We were up against Blind Date and we were getting as many viewers. It was incredible.’"

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