Former snooker player-turned-broadcaster John Virgo has died aged 79, it was announced on Wednesday morning.
He died in Spain, where he had lived in recent years, is survived by his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.
The Salford-born snooker star won the UK Championship in 1979 and reached the World Championship semi-finals in that same year.
After 18 years, he retired as a snooker player in 1994. He then went into broadcasting, where he is best known for.
He was an established part of the BBC’s snooker coverage as a commentator, famous for his catchphrase of ‘Where’s the cue ball going?’.
Virgo was also well known for his role on the 1990s snooker show ‘Big Break’ and was a regular on the exhibition circuit with his vast array of trick shots.
He was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame for his success on the baize and his work as a broadcaster.
Tributes pour in for John Virgo
Following news of his death, the snooker world came together to pay their respects to Virgo.
‘Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,’ a WST statement read.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.’
Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, announced the ‘heart-breaking’ news of Virgo’s death in Spain in a post on the Snooker Legends account on X.
‘JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone,’ he said. ‘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.’
Former world champion John Parrott worked alongside Virgo in the BBC commentary box and said he ‘transcended the sport’ and ‘loved a joke’.
He told BBC Sport: ‘John was a tremendous competitor and a very good break-builder, brilliant among the pink and black. He knew the game inside and out and backwards.
‘Then he transcended the sport and went into the commentary box. He did ‘Big Break’ with Jim Davidson, so he became a household name to everybody.
‘It was that voice which was very different to everyone else and made him stand out. You could have a right laugh with him – he loved a joke. He was a brilliant character.’
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan said Virgo was a friend that he loved spending time with, writing 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.’
Jim Davidson, posted 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.’
Former world champion Shaun Murphy, who has also featured as a BBC commentator, wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
World No 9 Mark Allen posted on X: ‘Truly awful news. Thoughts with all Johns family and friends. One of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet.’
Jimmy White wrote a simple message on Instagram accompanied with a picture of the two which said: ‘Goodnight JV’.
