New cues for old pros

The LG Cup kicks off the BBC's new season of snooker

There will be two new faces in the BBC studio when this season's snooker coverage begins with the LG Cup in Preston.

Anchorwoman Hazel Irvine will be joined by players Steve Davis and John Parrott to present the action.

The ex-world champions are more used to wooden cues than autocues but will be able to offer a unique perspective on the action as they are also playing in the tournament.

For Davis, it is a natural progression as his career winds downs from his heyday in the 1980s, when he won six world titles.

"I haven't been the dominant force in snooker since Stephen Hendry turned up in the '90s," admits the 43-year-old.

The great thing in the commentary box is you never miss a ball

John Parrott

Davis has already had a stint as an expert commentator, which he described as "quite enjoyable" but knows presenting will be tougher.

"I think the next phase is going to be much more of a challenge.

"But John and myself get on very well anyway and we know the ropes to some extent, so I think we'll just have a laugh."

And Davis is hoping that a bit of practice will improve his technique.

"The first link I did, they played it back and I looked so miserable!

"I was concentrating so hard on what I was saying, you forget that perhaps you should be smiling off the back of a bit of footage."

Parrott, meanwhile, is a broadcasting veteran, most notably in his role as a captain on A Question Of Sport.

Parrott is not enjoying his snooker as much these days

"It's a totally different game from the commentary box than it is when you play," he says.

"The great thing in the commentary box is you never miss a ball. It's fantastic!"

Davis may not be the force he once was but he has no plans to quit playing.

"I know I still love snooker because the snooker season has just started and I'm looking forward to playing."

But Parrott admits he is having thoughts of retirement.

"I just don't fancy schlepping all around the place," he says.

"I've been playing since I was 12, I've been travelling around constantly since I was 16, my next birthday I'll be 38.

"To be honest with you, that's enough for anybody."