Renowned snooker commentator John Virgo has passed away at the age of 79. Virgo, known as a prominent figure in the sport, made his final appearance on the BBC during last month’s Masters tournament.
Born in Salford, Virgo had a successful career as a player and clinched the UK Championship title in 1979. His demise occurred in Spain, where he resided, on Wednesday.
The news of Virgo’s passing was confirmed by World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis via a post on the social media platform X. Francis expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the loss of the esteemed ‘JV,’ highlighting Virgo’s dedication to the sport and his enduring passion for entertaining fans.
Expressing his condolences, snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan, a close friend of Virgo, described him as a cherished companion and expressed deep sadness over the news. Similarly, Stephen Hendry, a fellow world champion and colleague of Virgo at the BBC, reminisced about their recent time together at the Masters and praised Virgo’s exceptional talent and enthusiasm for the game.
Former world champion Shaun Murphy, now part of the BBC’s commentary team, fondly remembered his interactions with Virgo and acknowledged the significant impact Virgo had on the world of snooker. Neil Robertson, another prominent figure in the sport, expressed sadness over Virgo’s passing and highlighted his remarkable contributions as a pundit and commentator.
After retiring from professional play in 1994, Virgo transitioned into a renowned commentator, earning a place in the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame three years ago. His signature catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?” became synonymous with his illustrious career. Virgo was also known for his distinctive waistcoats and skills in executing trick shots.
During his prime as a player, Virgo achieved a ranking of No.10 in the world. He notably co-hosted the BBC’s snooker program, Big Break, alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
Reflecting on his career, Virgo shared anecdotes about his time on Big Break and praised the successful collaboration with Davidson. In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie Ries relocated to Spain for a change of scenery and weather to alleviate Virgo’s long-standing neck injury.
Virgo’s legacy in the snooker world will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. His unique style and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the snooker community.
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