Ronnie - star of TV commercials

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN TO STAR IN NEW GAMESHOW?

http://snookerscene.blogspot.com
Dave H.
9 June 2009

A former producer of the popular 1990s snooker-based gameshow Big Break is reported to be launching a new TV quiz featuring Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Thewharf.co.uk reports that John McGee is developing a programme called 'Step Up to the Rocket.'

The website says: "A quartet of contestants are to be paired up with four professional snooker players, and will draw on skill and knowledge to make it to the final stage.

The format is also expected to be picked up elsewhere in the world, in countries such as China.

He said: "There's going to be a lot of skill involved, but it's all slapstick, silly stuff.

"Ronnie O'Sullivan is like the David Beckham of snooker. He's admired all over the world and is a huge star."

For the uninitiated, Big Break was a mainstay of the BBC Saturday night schedules for a number of years.

It paired three players with three contestants and was hosted by Jim Davidson and John Virgo.

Anything that allows the players to better project their personalities is fine by me, so good luck to McGee.

Ronnie is a big star, although whether 'slapstick' is really his thing remains to be seen.

More pics in Photogallery - Other events - China adverts

RONNIE IS STAR OF THE SHOW IN CHINA

Published on 08-12-2007

TWELVE months ago Ronnie O’Sullivan walked away from the UK Championship. Now, the biggest attraction in snooker has just enjoyed his biggest walk on part!

A year on from his much-publicised walk out during his game against Stephen Hendry in York, O’Sullivan is well on his way to becoming the game’s highest-earning player off-table by entering in to a series of endorsement contracts in China.

‘The Rocket’ - who celebrated his 32nd birthday this week – spent time recently in Guangzhou filming a series of TV commercials and complete contracts that will boost the world No.5’s income by £500,000 over the next two years.

O’Sullivan has put his name to a series of products including watches, clothing and snooker tables.

And Ronnie admitted the photo shoot to advertise Vasto watches had completely blown him away.

"It was brilliant and everyone was just so friendly,” said Ronnie.

"I've done some filming in the past for the likes of the Premier League but this was a different league.

“It was like stepping on to the set of a James Bond film or a fashion shoot for Vogue!.”

He added; “I knew as part of the deal I'd have to take part in a photo shoot and do some filming for TV - but this was just unreal.

"I had my own makeup artist and stylist who didn't want me to shave as it added to the effect. But after two days I was halfway to a full beard!

“I couldn’t believe how recognised I was in . But snooker is massive out there. And I’m happy to be part of it.

"I've never been asked to do anything like this in snooker so it made a nice change - but playing snooker is easier.”

A spokesman for 110sport, O’Sullivan’s management company said; “Ronnie is such a massive attraction in snooker, especially in where the game has really taken off.

“As the most spectacular player in the game it’s not a surprise that companies want to align themselves with the biggest character in snooker.”

More pics from commercial

RONNIE 'BECOMES SNOOKER'S RICHEST PLAYER'

http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/
30 October 2007

110sport have issued the following statement:

RONNIE O’Sullivan has half-a-million reasons for putting the disappointment of last week’s Grand Prix final defeat behind him.

For the twice-world snooker champion is about to become the game’s highest-earning player off-table by entering in to a series of endorsement contracts in China.

The 31-year-old, who lost to stablemate Marco Fu in Aberdeen, is in Guangzhou this week to film a series of TV commercials and complete contracts that will boost the world No.5’s income by £500,000 over the next two years.

O’Sullivan will put his name to a series of products including watches, clothing and snooker tables.

A spokesman for Stirling-based 110sport, O’Sullivan’s management company said; “Ronnie is such a massive attraction in snooker, especially in China where the game has taken off.

“As the most spectacular player in the game it’s not a surprise that companies want to align themselves with the biggest character in snooker.”

(Good luck to Ronnie. This certainly confirms his and snooker's popularity. I just hope it means he actually plays in tournaments in China in the future because his participation in the Far East will help grow the game even further.)