Katie Shanahan is stepping into the world of snooker, not as a spectator, but as the face of Channel 5’s new coverage. She’s a broadcaster accustomed to high-stakes environments, but this marks her debut in a sport she’s long admired from the sidelines.
Channel 5 is dramatically expanding its snooker programming, securing the Players Championship, Tour Championship, and British Open – events previously shown on ITV. This isn’t just a change of channel; it’s a commitment to innovation, promising a fresh perspective on the game.
Viewers will recognize familiar voices like Stephen Hendry and Alan McManus, but the broadcast team will also feature a surprising duo: four-time world champion John Higgins and former UK Champion Matthew Stevens, trading their cues for microphones and offering unique insights.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Channel 5 will debut a “referee cam,” offering an unprecedented, up-close view of the players from the official’s perspective. Inspired by its success in football, this new angle promises to bring viewers closer to the intensity of the game.
The coverage won’t simply be match-focused. Each session will begin 30 minutes early, filled with build-up, analysis, and lively discussion, setting the stage for compelling snooker action.
Shanahan’s broadcasting career is already remarkably diverse. She currently covers the Lionesses for ITV, delivers updates on Sky’s Soccer Saturday, and wakes up before dawn to host talkSPORT’s Early Sports Breakfast – a testament to her relentless work ethic.
Her journey into sports broadcasting wasn’t a direct path. Shanahan was a talented hockey player, earning a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. She describes the college experience as “literally like the movies,” filled with the energy of sororities, frat parties, and a vibrant campus life.
She later played professionally in Australia, but a devastating accident on the hockey pitch abruptly ended her playing career. A hockey ball struck her head, fracturing her skull and requiring extensive surgery and spinal reconstruction.
That life-altering moment, though terrifying, became a turning point. Shanahan channeled her competitive spirit and passion for sport into broadcasting, finding a new arena for adrenaline and pressure.
“Being an athlete and being a broadcaster, it’s still high pressure,” she explains. “I get the same rush when the red light goes on. That fills the hole that England hockey left behind.”
Shanahan’s dedication extends beyond the studio. She recently completed the London Marathon and is now training for an Ironman, demonstrating a commitment to pushing her limits both professionally and personally.
Despite her demanding schedule, she cherishes moments of calm, like a quiet Sunday walk with her family and a pint in a traditional English pub. But that respite will be short-lived as she prepares to immerse herself in the world of snooker.
Shanahan is already familiar with the snooker community, having covered tournaments for BBC Radio 5 Live and attending the Masters last month. She was struck by the welcoming atmosphere and is eager to see the sport flourish on Channel 5.
The Players Championship promises a thrilling start, showcasing the top 16 players on the rankings. Matches like Mark Williams versus Barry Hawkins, veterans of the game, highlight the depth of talent on display.
The tournament schedule features compelling matchups, including Neil Robertson against John Higgins, Wu Yize playing Mark Allen, and Mark Selby meeting Jack Lisowski. Even without Ronnie O’Sullivan and Kyren Wilson, the competition is fierce.
Coverage begins on Channel 5 with afternoon sessions at 12:30pm and evening sessions at 6:30pm, with the latter moving to 5Action. Dedicated coverage of the second table will also be available through a separate Snooker Players Championship channel.
The Players Championship draw unfolds as follows: Tuesday features Robertson vs. Higgins and Wu Yize vs. Allen, followed by Wakelin vs. Guodong and Selby vs. Lisowski. Wednesday brings Trump vs. Yuelong and Murphy vs. Anda, then Williams vs. Hawkins and Xintong vs. Slessor. Quarter-finals are on Thursday and Friday, semi-finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday.
