Sequinned snooker ace Shaun Murphy has issued a ‘come and get me plea’ to hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
Former world champion Murphy, 40, ended a three-year title drought with a sparkling exhibition of scoring power to win the Players Championship on Sunday. The Magician, sporting some spangled strides, rattled in five century breaks against Ali Carter in a 10-4 win in Wolverhampton, making it a record 11 in the event.
And as he waltzed to victory Murphy also ensured he pocketed another record as well as the £125,000 first prize – the five highest breaks of the tournament, earning him another £10,000.
The new world No6 admits he is at heart a showman, and is even dubbed ‘The PT Barnum of snooker’ by fellow pro Dominic Dale. Murphy said: “I would do Strictly in a heartbeat. I was very lucky to go as a guest of Dennis Taylor and the late Willie Thorne when they were on it.
“I loved it, and met a lot of the people that were involved in it. I watch it every week at home and I would love to be a part of it. When Strictly is on is quite a congested part of the year and season for snooker and it would need some sorting out. But if were ever offered it, I’d do it.
“I’d need to think about it for at least a couple of seconds! Sports people are competitive and what I have seen have done okay in the past. And as well as working hard and learning new skills, everyone seems to come off it a lot fitter than when they went on.
“I’d love to do it, it is right up my street. Dominic Dale calls me the PT Barnum of snooker and that’s a title I can live with. I love ‘The Greatest Showman’ - and I have got the Strictly outfits already!”
Murphy bounced back in the best possible way after losing the final of the Welsh Open to Rob Milkins the week before. And in great form and far better health after gastric band surgery that has seen him lose several stones in weight, Murphy feels he will head to April’s World Championship with a real chance.
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After some soul-searching since his last title and during the Covid pandemic, he added: “They say success like to wait behind the corner of failure. But how often can you keep going to the well? How deep is your well, how much patience have you got before you give up?
“It is so hard watching everyone else sail off with titles when you know you have got the game but for some reason you just can’t do it. But I had the determination and it has clicked. The sleeping giant that they had all forgotten about – I’m back, and I’m not going anywhere for a bit.
“I will head to the Crucible this year in the best shape since I won it all those years ago. Physically, mentally, technically, I will get to Sheffield in the best condition to go deep in that tournament. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump play snooker that entertains people more often than the rest, and that’s why they get the adulation.
“But this Players final was my night, the crowd were on their feet at the end and I have played a style of snooker that they enjoyed, the brand I have always tried to play. We are in the entertainment business, we are in show business, but ours is just snooker. And it is important to not just win but win well and put on a show for those spending hard-earned money.”
