Ask Onix
Snooker legend John Virgo dies aged 79
John Virgo, the former UK Championship winner and beloved BBC snooker commentator, has passed away at the age of 79. The snooker community paid tribute with a minute's silence at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Playing career and achievements
Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, highlighted by his victory in the 1979 UK Championship. He also reached the semi-finals of the World Championship that same year. Known for his skill among the pink and black balls, Virgo was described as a tremendous competitor and a strong break-builder.
Transition to broadcasting and iconic catchphrase
After retiring from professional play in 1994, Virgo became a BBC commentator and co-presented the popular TV show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002. His distinctive voice and enthusiasm made him a household name. Fans remember his famous catchphrase, "Where's the cue ball going?" which he used when a player was close to committing a foul.
Virgo's last commentary for the BBC came just 17 days ago during Kyren Wilson's victory over John Higgins in the Masters final.
Tributes from the snooker community
Players, officials, and broadcasters have expressed their grief and shared fond memories of Virgo. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan called Virgo a "great mate" and said he was "absolutely gutted" by the news.
"Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with. Absolutely gutted."
Ronnie O'Sullivan
Four-time world champion Mark Selby described Virgo as "a huge character" who will be "greatly missed."
"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."
Mark Selby
Six-time world champion Steve Davis, a colleague in BBC Sport's snooker coverage, said, "One of our most loved friends has passed and our hearts are broken."
"Our thoughts are with his family and it's become a day to reflect on how much this warm-hearted and funny maverick meant to us all. He was a brilliant commentator. Snooker fans couldn't help but be swept up in his enthusiasm in the moment. The Crucible will shed more than a few tears this April."
Steve Davis
Former world champion Shaun Murphy, who worked alongside Virgo, said he learned a great deal from sharing a commentary box with him.
"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."
Shaun Murphy
BBC Sport presenter Hazel Irvine called Virgo "hugely loved and completely irreplaceable."
"This is just such an immeasurable loss for snooker. It's a very tight-knit sport but it's an even tighter broadcasting community and it's a real shock because John was in such great form and voice just a couple of weeks ago at the Masters. He was a great champion himself and I think his experiences as a player really informed his commentaries."
Hazel Irvine
Virgo's personality and legacy
Virgo was known for his humor and talent for impressions, often performing routines of other players like Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths, and Cliff Thorburn during exhibition matches. His co-presenter on Big Break, Jim Davidson, said he was "heartbroken" by Virgo's passing.
"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."
Jim Davidson
Former world champion Neil Robertson praised Virgo's commentary skills, saying he gained a huge appreciation for how good Virgo was while sharing the commentary booth with him.
Ali Carter, who made one of his four maximum breaks at the World Championship in 2008, recalled Virgo's deep knowledge of the game.
"His knowledge was second to none. He knew the game inside out. He loved the game. He was part of the royal family of the snooker family."
Ali Carter
World Snooker and final reflections
A statement from World Snooker 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 described Virgo as "incredibly generous, kind and funny," adding that he was "a wonderful player and commentator."
"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."
Neal Foulds
Virgo, born in Salford in 1946, is survived by his wife Rosie and their children, Gary and Brooke-Leah.
