Find out more about the Master of Ceremonies and BBC commentator…
By Henry Cheal
Favourite films?
Chariots of Fire, because the first thing I can ever remember loving doing was running. And around that time in 1983, I watched the inaugural World Athletics Championships from Helsinki in Finland. It was just an iconic edition of the games. It was absolutely amazing. My other favourites are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke, Saving Private Ryan and Good Will Hunting.
Favourite TV shows?
I don't watch a huge amount of TV, but my wife and I watch box sets. We've just finished Succession. I really liked Brian Cox as an actor, I've just read his autobiography. I have a DVD player that I refuse to throw out, and I could still sit and watch Band of Brothers. When I finish my 28 day shift in Sheffield, I could easily hibernate for four days and watch the whole thing.
What about music?
I love Johnny Cash - the deep resonance of his voice. Folsom Prison is my favourite song. I really enjoy film scores. Road to Perdition is a brilliant film, and the music by Thomas Newman. I love any kind of upbeat dance tunes like Dario G - Sunchyme.
Favourite part of the job?
Interviewing the players. The MC role is fantastic and obviously I'm grateful as that that was the whole reason I started the role, and I enjoy talking to the crowd. But over the 17 years I've been involved I've built up good relationships with a lot of players. Just as an example, last year when I did my trip from John O'Groats to Land's End, John Higgins got up at 6am and drove to do a piece with me on ITV Breakfast, which gave a massive platform for the charities we were raising money for. They wouldn't have agreed to that airtime if it had just been me, John was a crucial part of that. And John then drove my dad an hour and a half right into the heart of Glasgow to the train station and dropped him off! I’ve also built up close friendships with the likes of Mark Allen and Mark Selby who are both brilliant guys.
First snooker memory?
I remember the 1985 world final, I was allowed to stay up to watch it. The whole country seemed to be absolutely transfixed. I had a little Steve Davis table, my dad and I used to play in the lounge.
First snooker memory for TV?
I remember turning up for my first tournament, the 2007 UK Championship in Telford. I mistakenly thought I was just warming up the crowd. I didn't realise I was actually going to be on TV. So when the producer said to me “you're going to look to that camera there” only then I realised that I was introducing the players as well. And I remember thinking ‘wow, this is a big deal. I need to nail this!’ By the time we come to the Crucible in 2027, I will have done 20 years.
Best career highlight in snooker?
The concluding session of Higgins and Trump in 2011 is something I've never heard before. The match just captured the public's imagination. Introducing Steve Davis into the arena when he retired in 2016, after his father had passed away. I interviewed him and could see tears in his eyes, so I just hugged him and stood back and let him soak up the applause. Lastly, Mark Williams and John Higgins getting a standing ovation at the Masters a couple of years go. The whole place just went off, it was really special.
Highest snooker break?
I really enjoy playing but just for relaxation. My highest break is only 22.
What is your biggest achievement?
John O'Groats to Land's End last year for my three mates and my son's mate, who all passed away. I’m proud to have done it and relieved that I'd finished it because obviously, it was all on me. It was just me on my own. And I told people I was going to do it. And so, initially my overwhelming feeling was relief. And then over time, I thought that that was quite a cool thing to do. It's incredible what you can push your body through when you're determined enough. And it was great that snooker was a big part of that, because I met up with Alan McManus, Anthony McGill, John Higgins, Liam Highfield, Dave Hendon, Jamie Jones and others along the way.