Stephen Hendry, the celebrated seven-time world champion from Scotland, will play a pivotal role in snooker broadcasts on Channel 5 next year. He will serve as the main expert for three significant free-to-air snooker events in 2026.
Channel 5’s Landmark Deal for Snooker Events
Channel 5 has acquired the broadcast rights from ITV for several major snooker competitions. This includes the Players Championship and the Tour Championship, both leading up to the prestigious Crucible World Championship. In addition, the British Open will also be part of this exciting lineup.
Key Details of the Broadcast
- Events: Players Championship, Tour Championship, British Open
- Year: 2026
- Main Expert: Stephen Hendry
- Producer: ITV Sport Production
ITV Sport Production will be the driving force behind these broadcasts. They have notable experience in producing live sports, including rugby union and horseracing events.
New Presentation Team Announced
Hendry, now 56 years old, joins a new team that brings together various talents. Katie Shanahan, a former international hockey player, will host the live coverage. Shanahan has a solid background, having worked with BBC, Sky Sports, and talkSPORT.
Other notable members include:
- Alan McManus – Former Masters Winner
- Steven Hallworth – Active Professional Player
- David Hendon – Respected Sports Commentator
The participation of former analysts from ITV, such as Ken Doherty and Neal Foulds, remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Jill Douglas, who provided coverage on ITV for over a decade, may take on a different role with the Champion of Champions event.
A Shift in Hendry’s Career
While Hendry recently competed in the Crucible Cup, it seems his competitive playing days are winding down. Moving forward, he will focus on commentary rather than competing on the baize.
El-Balad will continue to provide updates on these exciting developments in the world of snooker as they unfold in 2026.
