BBC presenter Hazel Irvine was put in an awkward spot live on TV during an interview with the chairman of Matchroom Sport Barry Hearn. The 77-year-old promoter played a key role in securing the future of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield.
The 2026 World Snooker Championship is the 50th consecutive year the competition has been held at the venue, though there were huge concerns that the tournament could be moved away from the iconic venue. However, an agreement was reached earlier this year to extend its stay until 2045, with an option to extend to 2050.
That being said, the Crucible is set to undergo redevelopment after 2028 tournament and it will take place at an alternative venue while the work is ongoing. Although the location for that is yet to be announced.
Irvine asked Hearn for an insight into where the tournament may take place, and said:”The real nuts and bolts of it now is how is it going to work because we know the work is going to start, missing the 2029 World Championships we’ll have to go while the reconstruction is taking place.
“There are a lot of the Chinese players saying can we take it there for a year but in terms of TV contracts, is it obliged to stay here in the UK?”
“No, no, no,” Hearn said. “I mean obviously, look the BBC are one of our most favour partners, they’ve been here forever and we’ve signed a new long-term deal with them.
“They wouldn’t pay as much money, that’s for sure, the BBC are always cutting back as you know. The fact is, we can take it wherever we want to take it. The broadcasters obviously want it to stay, and I think in my gut feeling I’d like it to stay in the UK.”
“The most important thing for me now, the last hurdle, is I want the work done in a year. I don’t want to be away for two years, I think that’s too long.
“And I know Sheffield council are on that. So get your dungarees, get plasterer ready because we might need to get these boys (points at Steve Davis and Ken Doherty) a proper job instead of just sitting here talking to you.”
Irvine awkwardly laughed as Hearn made the comments about her employer, before quickly moving the conversation on.