John Virgo’s devastated widow breaks silence over BBC star’s sudden loss of life
The snooker legend sadly passed away at his home in Spain – his devastated widow, Rosie Ries, revealed they were just days away from celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary
John and his wife, Rosie, were great pals before falling in love
John Virgo’s grieving widow said she “can’t imagine life without” him after the snooker legend’s death at 79.
The former player and commentator – dubbed the “voice of snooker” – is believed to have suffered a ruptured aorta, the largest artery in the body – at his home in Spain, according to a source close to his family.
And heartbroken Rosie, who was with him at their home near Malaga, said on Wednesday: “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.”
TV star John’s death came just a fortnight after he commentated on the Masters final at London’s Alexandra Palace for the BBC. A funeral for family and friends will take place in Spain followed by a memorial in the UK.
His best pal James Malyon, also in Spain, said: “I’m all over the place. It’s obviously a bit of a shock. It came out of the blue. He was a great man, a great character – the life and soul of the party.”
Thrice-wed John was as colourful as his trademark waistcoats Born in post-war Salford, Greater Manchester, he spent his teens hustling in local snooker clubs before turning pro in 1976.
As a player he won just one major title – the UK Championship in 1979. But it was as a commentator he became a legend of the sport thanks to his ‘amazing’ insight and trademark catchphrase: “Where’s the cue ball going?”
As co-host of more than 200 episodes of prime time 1990s snooker game show Big Break his trick shots and player impersonations brought a love of the green baize to a whole new audience.
His sudden death left the snooker world stunned on Wednesday. Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, wrote on X: “Heartbreaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning. He passed away in Spain.
“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.”
John spent 18 years as a pro and reached the World Championship semi-finals the same year he clinched his only major victory in extraordinary circumstances.
He beat Terry Griffiths 14-13 to win the UK Championship despite arriving late for the final session and being docked two frames.
Virgo, who had two children from his second marriage Gary and Brooke-Leah, retired in 1994 and was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan said: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Snooker legend Steve Davis fought back tears as he said: “We’re all a bit upset. He had such a warm heart. It’s a sad, sad day for snooker. One of our most loved friends has passed and our hearts are broken. Our thoughts are with his family.
“It’s become a day to reflect on how much this warm-hearted and funny maverick meant to us all. And he was a brilliant commentator. The [Sheffield] Crucible will shed more than a few tears this April.”
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