John Virgo, who was known as the voice of snooker, has sadly died at the age of 79, just weeks after his final appearance on the BBC commentating on the Masters
John Virgo has passed away(Image: Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
Legendary snooker commentator John Virgo has sadly died aged 79. Virgo was known as the voice of the sport, making his final appearance on the BBC for last month’s Masters tournament.
As a player, the Salford-born star enjoyed a successful career and won the UK Championship in 1979. Virgo passed away in Spain, where he lived, on Wednesday.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis confirmed the news by posting on social media platform X: “Heartbreaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.
“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren. JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone.
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“Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV. Hard to take this one…one great person who touched so many lives and loved the game.
“We will never forget you bud. RIP JV.”
A statement from the BBC followed. “Some sad news to bring you,” it read. “Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.
The World Snooker Tour also said on X: “Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan, who previously described Virgo as a ‘mate for life, also paid tribute: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away,” O’Sullivan wrote on X. “Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Fellow seven-time world champion and colleague of Virgo at the BBC, Stephen Hendry, posted on Instagram: Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest to work with. Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. Where’s the cueball going. Very sad news, absolutely gutted.”
Former world champion Shaun Murphy, who’s now part of the BBC’s commentary team, said: “I first met John in 1994, filming Junior Big Break. He then went on to become a friend and colleague. I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box. The voice of snooker will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace John Virgo.”
Neil Robertson, who won the World Championship in 2010, added: “So sad to hear about the news of John Virgo’s passing. He was a great character and an amazing pundit/commentator.
“I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the world championships a couple of years ago in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was. We’ve lost some great people of our game just recently which is incredibly sad.”
Having retired from playing in 1994, Virgo would go on to become the sport’s most iconic commentator. He was inducted in the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame three years ago.
His famous catchphrase: “Where’s the cue ball going?” added to his legendary status. Virgo was also known for his flamboyant waistcoats and trick shots.
During his playing career, Virgo reached No.10 in the world rankings. He memorably presented the BBC’s snooker programme, Big Break, which ran from 1991 to 2002, alongside comedian and actor Jim Davidson.
Davidson paid his own tribute, writing on Instagram: “Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent. From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”
Reflecting on the popular show’s success, Virgo told the Express last year: “I always remember, Jim had a bit of a reputation in the business for being hard work.
A few people asked me, ‘How are you getting on working with Jim Davidson?’ I said, ‘He doesn’t bother me, I worked with (Alex) Higgins for 20 years’! I wasn’t daunted by working with Jim.
“It’s a funny thing about life. He’s your crafty Conservative comedian and I’m your dour northern socialist. How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked.
“Although Jim didn’t know much about snooker, what a funny man and a very generous man to work with. We really got on well. Besides, when you’re in those positions, the most important thing is that the show works.”
In 2020, he and his third wife, Rosie Ries, relocated to Spain. The couple moved to the Costa del Sol and hoped that the warmer weather would help ease Virgo’s pain from a long-term neck injury.
He discussed his gambling addiction in an interview with Mirror Sport in 2017. Virgo is survived by his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah. His children were from two previous marriages.
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