John Virgo passes away at 79
Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died at the age of 79 in Spain, prompting an outpouring of grief from the sporting world, reports BritPanorama.
The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news, expressing deep sadness at the loss of the “legendary snooker player and broadcaster.” Virgo was a pivotal figure in the sport, having claimed the UK Championship title in 1979 and reached the World Championship semi-finals that same year.
His charm and distinctive commentary style, particularly his trademark phrase “where’s the cue ball going?”, endeared him to millions of fans. Following his playing career, Virgo became a familiar face in British households by co-presenting the popular BBC game show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson.
The news of his death reached seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan only after he completed his first-round victory at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, where he overturned a two-frame deficit to triumph 5-3. O’Sullivan took to social media platform X to express his sorrow, stating: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate, whom I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Virgo is survived by his wife Rosie, children Gary and Brooke-Leah, and grandchildren. Commenting on his colleague’s passing, six-time world champion Stephen Hendry shared his profound sadness, having worked alongside Virgo at the Masters just weeks ago. Hendry described him as “the greatest to work with,” noting, “Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him.”
Neil Robertson, who collaborated with Virgo during World Championship coverage, remembered him as “a great character and an amazing pundit/commentator,” expressing a deep appreciation for his talent. Shaun Murphy reminisced about their first encounter three decades ago while filming Junior Big Break, highlighting how Virgo significantly impacted those around him.
John Parrott also reflected on Virgo’s multifaceted talents, revealing his remarkable ability to impersonate players, a trait that was cherished in the snooker community. The call to honour Virgo’s contributions resonates as his friends and fans reflect on the legacy he leaves behind, embodying the vibrant spirit of snooker.
As the snooker world mourns, the void left by Virgo serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply the sport can connect people, bringing forth memories of shared moments and enduring friendships — showcasing that even in loss, the game remains richer for the voices which have graced it.
