Snooker legend Shaun Murphy explains real reason he snubbed BBC punditry job for World Championship

Callum Vurley
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:43:24 +0000

Shaun Murphy has set the record straight about why he won't be part of the BBC's World Snooker Championship coverage this year.

The 43-year-old revealed that contract negotiations simply fell through, dismissing earlier reports suggesting he was stepping back to focus on his tournament preparation.

"We were in negotiations with the powers-that-be and we couldn't come to an agreement on terms," Murphy explained.

"So I decided it wasn't for me at the previously agreed rate, it was nothing more than that."

The Magician confirmed it was entirely his decision, having also skipped broadcasting duties at the UK Championship and Masters earlier this season.

Murphy has faced plenty of stick over the years for juggling commentary work while still competing at the same events.

"I never thought it was a conflict in the first place, to be honest," he said. "I used to get trolled every day for it: 'You shouldn't be commentating if you're in the actual tournament.'"

The 2005 world champion reckons he blazed a trail that others have since followed.

"I hope the other players who followed in my footsteps have received the same abuse," he added with a touch of irony. "There's plenty more doing it now. I feel like I was the gatekeeper for that."

Despite stepping away from the broadcaster, Murphy clearly treasures his time in the studio and commentary box.

He spoke warmly about learning from presenter Hazel Irvine, calling her "a legend" and watching closely how she operates.

The snooker world lost John Virgo in February at the age of 79, and Murphy paid a heartfelt tribute to his former colleague.

"Great afternoons and evenings spent with JV, listening to him and watching how he went about his work," Murphy recalled. "Jesus, we had some laughs in that comms box off-air."

He joked that he always remembered to switch off his microphone – unlike some colleagues who landed themselves in hot water.

Murphy's attention now turns to the green baize, where he'll take on Fan Zhengyi on Monday evening at the Crucible.

The 25-year-old Chinese player will be making his third appearance at snooker's most famous venue, though he's yet to taste victory there.

Fan looked sharp during qualifying, breezing past Lan Yuhao 10-3 before dispatching Jimmy Robertson and Ben Mertens by identical 10-4 scorelines.

For Murphy, a winner of every Triple Crown event, it's another chance to add to his 2005 world title at the iconic Sheffield theatre.