BBC icon John Virgo dies aged 79 simply weeks after final snooker commentary

Iconic snooker star John Virgo has died aged 79 just weeks on from commentating on the sport. Virgo had helped BBC cover the Masters last month and passed away in Spain, where he lived, on Wednesday.

While for many he was the voice of the sport, Virgo‘s pedigree first emerged during a career as a player, where he won the UK Championship in 1979. Virgo was a fixture in the commentary booth and a household name as part of television show the Big Break.

A statement from promotions company Snooker Legends, ran by Jason Francis, read: “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.

“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.”

The World Snooker Tour also paid their respects. They said: “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.”

The Salford-born snooker ace turned professional in 1976 and, in addition to the UK Championship, won the 1980 Bombay International and 1984 Professional Snooker League, while finishing as a runner-up at the 1980 Champion of Champions and as a semi-finalist at the World Championship.

Virgo retired from playing in 1984 but became a fixture on television when he joined Jim Davidson as a co-presenter for the BBC’s snooker show, Big Break, from 1991‍ to 2002. The legendary star acted as the referee, explained the rules, and demonstrated impressive trick shots for contestants to replicate for a chance at a prize.

The veteran voice of snooker was a mainstay in the commentary booth for BBC’s coverage of the sport and was renowned for phrases such as: “Where’s the cue ball going?”

Tributes poured in for the late star.

“Ah thats sad news,” one said on social media. “Grew up watching his trick shots and snooker gags. Great on commentary as well. RIP John Virgo.”

“Sad news this morning re the passing of John Virgo. Really did become the voice of snooker. A great. Will miss listening to him,” said another.

“Some voices are synonymous with sports, Murray Walker to F1, John Motson to Football and John Virgo to snooker,” read another tribute. “Big break was one of the best programs on tv. So sad.”

“A wonderful man & one of the greatest to have ever commentated on snooker,” a further fan said. “So underrated & knowledgeable. To think we won’t hear ‘where’s the cue ball going’ ever again. A trophy needs to be named in his honour.”