Snooker legend John Virgo has died aged 79 at his home in Spain just weeks after commentating for the BBC on the 2026 Masters tournament
Snooker icon John Virgo’s cause of death has been revealed after his tragic passing was announced today. Virgo died suddenly aged 79 on Monday with tributes pouring in from the snooker world and beyond.
A star of the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, Virgo’s career highlight came when he won the 1979 UK Championship. He made the World Championship semi-finals in the same year.
But he became a household name on television screens up and down the country in the 1990s by co-hosting Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson.
Dubbed the voice of snooker, Virgo enjoyed a stellar commentary career on the BBC with his famous catchphrase ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ part and parcel of his broadcasting. He died of a ruptured aorta, a source close to the family told the Mirror.
READ MORE: John Virgo’s devastated widow breaks silence over BBC star’s sudden deathREAD MORE: Snooker legend John Virgo dies aged 79 as tributes pour in for BBC commentator
Virgo lived with wife Rosie in Spain, and she paid tribute just hours after his death. She told the Mirror: “We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary. I can’t imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend.”
Virgo’s best friend James Malyon added: “I’m all over the place, it’s obviously a bit of a shock, it came out of the blue – just five hours ago.” James met John who had two children from his second marriage, Gary and Brook-Leah, playing golf.
“I knew of John before he moved to Spain, of course,” he added. “We’ve been good friends, I’ve loved playing golf with him and socialising with him and Rosie. He was a great man, a great character – the life and soul of the party.”
Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who had previously described Virgo as a ‘mate for life’, wrote on X: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away.
“Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Fellow seven-time Crucible king and Virgo’s fellow BBC commentator Stephen Hendry also penned an emotional tribute. He wrote: “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.”
Big Break colleague Davidson also paid tribute to his great friend, writing: “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.”
In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie 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.
Virgo is survived by his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah. His children were from two previous marriages.
