John Virgo: Ronnie O’Sullivan leads tributes to former snooker star and commentator
John Virgo has died, aged 79
Ronnie O’Sullivan today led the tributes to former snooker player and commentator John Virgo, who has died aged 79.
Virgo’s death was announced this morning in a statement from the World Snooker Tour which read: “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.”
Virgo, who has lived in Spain in recent years, is survived by his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.
Virgo won the UK Championship in 1979 but became a household name in the 1990s when he co-hosted the BBC game show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson. He commentated on matches for the BBC for many years, regularly using his trademark saying “and where’s the cue ball going” as the white headed for the pocket.
He was still working last month when he covered the Masters final between Kyren Wilson and John Higgins in London.
Virgo was ‘such a great mate’ – O’Sullivan
Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, who is competing in Hong Kong, said: “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.”
Virgo was also renown for his trick shots and impersonations of other players.
Another former world champion,John Parrott, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “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.”