Snooker legend Virgo dies aged 79
John Virgo: Obituary
ByElizabeth BotcherbyBBC Sport journalist and Michael EmonsBBC Sport journalist
Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died aged 79.
Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
He is perhaps best known for his post-playing career, presenting popular snooker TV show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
Following his retirement from playing in 1994, Virgo became a BBC commentator.
His last commentary for the BBC came 17 days ago when Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins in the Masters final.
Virgo commentates on Kyren Wilson’s Masters 2026 victory
Virgo was a popular commentator, with his famous “where’s the cue ball going?” catchphrase when a player was close to committing a foul.
Players and officials held a minute’s silence at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
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.”
Four-time world champion Mark Selby said: “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 world champion Shaun Murphy, who worked alongside Virgo for the BBC, said: “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.”
‘There is no one more talented than O’Sullivan’ – John Virgo on Big Break
Virgo regularly took part in exhibition matches, playing trick shots and performing impressions of other players.
Former world champion Neil Robertson said: “He was a great character and an amazing pundit and commentator.
“I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the World Championship a couple of years ago in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was.”
A World Snooker statement read: “Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo.”
Former world number three Neal Foulds said: “Terribly sad news that we have lost one of the greats of snooker in John Virgo.
“JV was incredibly generous, kind and funny. He was also a wonderful player and commentator. Thanks for all the great memories JV.”
Virgo, who was born in Salford in 1946, is survived by wife Rosie and children Gary and Brooke-Leah.
‘John transcended the sport’
ByJohn Parrott
Former world champion
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 had a really good act and he did impersonations of Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths, Cliff Thorburn – and they all loved it.
It was unusual for someone to do that at the end of an exhibition, but he was absolutely brilliant at it.
I’m sure when we give him a tribute at the Crucible [for the World Championship in April] they will show his impressions routine, which is just hilarious.
He was a brilliant character.
