The snooker world continues to mourn after the sad news yesterday of the passing of John Virgo at the age of 79.
According to reports, Virgo died of a ruptured aorta while living in Spain and is survived by his wife Rosie, son Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah.
The popular Englishman was a larger-than-life figure who transcended the sport for decades, first as a prominent player and then as a respected broadcaster.
Virgo was a vastly popular character who loved to entertain through his range of impersonations, trick shots, and stories from his experiences of snooker’s initial boom years across the 1970s and 1980s.
A former UK Championship winner, the Salford man reached a career-high world ranking of number ten in the world but will perhaps be best remembered for his television roles on the BBC.
For 11 years he was the co-presenter of the snooker game show Big Break, and he also became one of the voices of snooker in his decades-long stint as a commentator.
Tributes have, of course, been flooding in since the announcement of his death was made, with a minute’s silence held before the evening session of the ongoing World Grand Prix on Wednesday.
Yesterday we published our own tribute to the great man, but here is just a small selection of some of the eulogies that have been delivered elsewhere.
Ronnie O’Sullivan: “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.”
Stephen Hendry: “Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters. He was the greatest to work with. Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. “Where’s the cue ball going?” Very sad news, absolutely gutted. Commentating won’t be the same. RIP JV, thinking about you Rosie.”
Barry Hearn: “RIP the great John Virgo. So sad to lose such a great snooker player, commentator, and entertainer. One of a kind and a massive loss to snooker.”
Mark Selby: “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.”
Big Break co-presenter Jim Davidson: “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.”
Mark Allen: “Truly awful news. Thoughts with all Johns family and friends. One of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet.”
Peter Ebdon: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of JV. A lovely man, who became the master of his profession, whilst commentating for the BBC, was also a top player, being a former UK Champion. Greatly loved and respected by millions around the world, he will be greatly missed.”
Jason Francis: “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.”
Neil Robertson: “So sad to hear about the news of John Virgo’s passing. He was a great character and an amazing pundit/commentator. I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the world championships a couple of years ago in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was. We’ve lost some great people of our game just recently which is incredibly sad.”
Neal Foulds: “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. Thoughts with Rosie and all of his family. Thanks for all the great memories JV.”
Paul Collier: “Such sad news this morning. Had a drink with him at the Masters just a couple of weeks ago. RIP John.”
Ken Doherty: “Always loved our time together JV, whether it was in the the commentary box on the golf course, doing our exhibitions or just having dinner listening to your stories and your singing too. There was never a dull moment. Will miss u dearly and loved you immensely.”
John Parris: “It was with great sadness that I heard the news of John Virgos passing this morning. I have known John for over 40 years and he was always such a joy to meet. I am so thankful I saw him at the Masters recently for a catch up and hug. I will miss you John. Where’s the White ball?”
Joe Perry: “What a horrible day, so sad to hear the passing of JV this morning. A truly exceptional commentator and an even better man. I had become closer to John over the last few years due to the commentary work. Always an absolute honour and joy to be in his company. RIP JV.”
Stephen Fry said: “I regularly met him at the BBC’s Light Entertainment Christmas Party and was instantly struck by his warmth, charm, and intelligence. He was kind enough to invite me to some of the great snooker events, the Masters at Wembley, and the World Championships in Sheffield where I could watch him at work. He will leave such a gap in the world.”
Shaun Murphy: “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.”
Jimmy White: “Goodnight JV 💔”
Featured photo credit: Monique Limbos
Dreadful news regarding John,I first met him 31 years ago. He will be sadly missed great chap and a real gent,I pass my condolences to his wife and family. RIP John.
Dreadful news regarding John,I first met him 31 years ago. He will be sadly missed great chap and a real gent,I pass my condolences to his wife and family. RIP John.
Virgo led Ray Reardon h2h 6-2. This is arguably his most impressive H2H in Virgo’s favour.
He led long serving colleague Dennis Taylor 8-6.
Virgo holds a 5-2 advantage on Tony Knowles.
He trailed John Spencer 6-5, Alex Higgins 2-1, Eddie Charlton 6-2 and Cliff Thorburn 5-4.
John Higgins is the only member of the Class of ’92 Virgo faced in competition.
His final opponent in the World Championship was Mark Rowing.
In a match at the 1985 UK Championship, JV and Willie Thorne combined to produce five centuries. This equalled the world record for most centuries in a match. It wasn’t bettered until the 1990s.
A lovely round up of testimonies and remembrances from friends and colleagues for the great snooker personality JV.
The commentary box will never be the same. That’s for sure.
JV will be sorely missed, a great personality, charismatic, funny, his are shoes to big to fill, I am gutted, I am thinking of his wife, his children, the family and friends, you can be sure of this; he will never ever be forgotten.
I would love to see a trophy renamed after him the same as the late Paul Hunter masters trophy, it would be an amazing tribute.
Please consider this
RIP JOHN VIRGO.
The UK Championship trophy would be the obvious one. If the Tour Championship settles in Manchester, recognising JV in his backyard would be a nice choice.