John Virgo, one of snooker’s most iconic figures on the table and in the commentary box, has died aged 79.
Virgo was one of the top players in the world in the late 1970s and ’80s, winning the UK Championship and reaching the World Championship semi-finals in 1979.
While he never won a ranking event, he was a stalwart of the biggest snooker events during the sport’s boom in the 1980s, playing at the Crucible every year from 1979-91.
However, he is perhaps best known for his post-playing career, starring alongside Jim Davidson on hit game show Big Break and becoming one of the greatest commentators the sport has ever known.
Virgo was still commentating for the BBC this season, delivering his iconic lines at the Masters as recently as last month.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis confirmed the news of his death on Wednesday morning, posting on social media: ‘Heart breaking 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.’
World Snooker Tour posted: ‘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. ❤️’
Four-time world champion Mark Selby wrote: ‘So so sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo!!! Such a great guy and a huge character!! He Will be greatly missed! RIP JV ❤️’
Former Welsh Open champion and fellow BBC commentator Joe Perry posted on social media: ‘Absolutely gutted to hear the very sad news that John Virgo has passed away.
‘Without doubt one of the best people I’ve ever met through snooker.
‘It was always an honour to work alongside him and a pleasure to be in his company.
‘Thoughts go out to his friends and family. What a horrible day!
‘RIP JV.’
Current Scottish Open champion Chris Wakelin posted: ‘Awful news to hear. A true gentleman. For the final time, Goodnight JV 💔’
Former professional Darren Morgan, who played Virgo at the 1989 World Championship, posted: ‘Absolutely gutted to wake up today to the very sad news that JV John Virgo has sadly passed away at his family home in Spain.
‘I have known John for the past 40 years firstly as a player then all the shows I did with him on Big Break and then finally sharing the commentary booth with him for as long as I can remember.
‘I am absolutely gutted with his passing such a lovely, intelligent and very funny man, and one hell of a commentator, he is going to be missed by so many, condolences to all Johns friends and family.
RIP JV😢💔.’
Virgo was a huge star of British television in the 1990s thanks to Big Break, which went out to millions on primetime BBC.
Speaking of his success alongside Davidson on the hit show, Virgo told The Express: ‘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.’
More to follow…