Earlier this month, snooker and TV legend John Virgo sadly passed away at the age of 79, just 17 days after his final BBC commentary. JV, as he was affectionately known among snooker players, pundits and fans, was perhaps better known for his TV work than his playing career. His trick shots on Big Break and knowledgeable – and often amusing – snooker commentary will live long in the memory.
Here we take a look back at Virgo’s contribution to snooker, first as a player, then later as Jim Davidson’s sidekick on Big Break, and his brilliant commentary career.
John Virgo the Snooker Player
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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uaxCQGzQpv
— WST (@WeAreWST) February 4, 2026
John Virgo was a very decent professional snooker player, but he wasn’t quite exceptional in the same way as others in his generation were. He was part of the generation that included the likes of Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths, and Cliff Thorburn, all of whom won the World Snooker Championship, something Virgo never achieved. The closest JV came to becoming the world champion was in the 1979 tournament when he made it to the semi-finals.
Virgo beat Cliff Thorburn (who would win the following year’s World Championship) in the last 16, and then got the better of another Canadian, Bill Werbeniuk, in the quarters. Unfortunately for Virgo, he then lost to Denis Taylor (who subsequently lost in the final to Terry Griffiths and would have to wait another six years for his moment of glory). After that, Virgo never made it past the second round in the tournament as Steve Davis and others burst onto the scene in the 1980s.
Alongside a couple of invitational events and the Bombay International, Virgo also won the 1979 UK Championship, the biggest success of his career. On his way to the final, JV beat the up-and-coming Steve Davis 9-7, and then got the better of Denis Taylor 9-4. He faced Terry Griffiths in the final, which was a nip and tuck affair… until Virgo almost blew his chances. Virgo was leading 11-7 going into the final session. Due to TV scheduling, the match start time was brought forward, but somehow Virgo didn’t get the memo, and he arrived half an hour late. JV was docked two frames, and Griffiths took the next two, leaving the match all-square at 11-11.
At that point, Welshman Griffiths offered to share the prize money with Virgo, apparently feeling bad about having been awarded two frames. Virgo reportedly responded, “You haven’t won it yet,” and then went on to clinch the match 14-13.
Virgo’s Big Break in TV
Arguably, Virgo’s big break came with his TV career on… Big Break. Alongside comedian Jim Davidson, John Virgo presented the snooker-themed game show that paired contestants with snooker professionals as they aimed to land various prizes. For many, the highlight of the show was Virgo’s trick shot segment, which gave contestants who hadn’t won anything the chance to bag a consolation prize. Virgo was also much-loved on the show, which garnered viewing figures of over 14 million in its pomp, for his dry wit and one-liners, and he was a brilliant foil to Davidson.
Loved and Admired Snooker Commentator
Virgo began his snooker commentary career in 1985 at the World Championship, and he became a mainstay of the BBC commentary team. As well as having a fantastic ability to explain shots or positional play to the watching public, Virgo also coined catchphrases such as “there’s always a gap” and, most famously, “Where’s the cue ball going?”, something that often appeared on snooker fans’ T-shirts at the biggest events.
Since his death, many players and colleagues have paid tribute to Virgo. Ronnie O’Sullivan, the greatest player ever, said, “Such a great mate who I loved spending time with. Absolutely gutted.” While BBC colleague and former playing rival Steve Davis said, “one of our most loved friends has passed and our hearts are broken,” and went on, “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.” Meanwhile, BBC Sport’s snooker presenter, Hazel Irvine, summed up the feeling well, saying Virgo was “hugely loved and is completely irreplaceable.”
John Virgo’s final commentary was of Kyren Wilson’s 2026 Masters defeat of John Higgins on 18th January. He has left snooker fans with fond memories and plenty of laughs along the way. Perhaps he’ll be showing off a few of his favourite trick shots in the next world.