Jim Davidson Leads Emotional Tributes to Snooker Legend John Virgo
Comedian Jim Davidson has led the outpouring of tributes following the death of snooker great John Virgo at the age of 79. Davidson, who co-hosted the BBC's hit snooker game show Big Break with Virgo for over a decade, described his former colleague as a "great bloke" and revealed they were "mates until this morning at 5am".
A Partnership That Defined an Era
The 72-year-old entertainer worked alongside Virgo on more than 200 episodes of Big Break between 1991 and 2002, creating one of British television's most memorable sporting entertainment partnerships. Davidson spoke movingly to GB News about his friend's passing, having been informed by Virgo's daughter Brooke-Leah earlier in the day.
"He was a great bloke," Davidson stated emotionally. "Ironically, I'm down at Ustream Studios today with the editors, putting together a package for John, who was going to come on my 50-year anniversary TV special. Of course, now the editing is going to turn right into a completely different thing."
Davidson recalled their last conversation just a week ago, when Virgo was looking forward to participating in the anniversary special. "We were going to cut together some film of me and him getting it all wrong," he said wistfully.
From Champion Player to Broadcasting Icon
John Virgo enjoyed a distinguished 18-year professional snooker career, reaching the World Championship semi-finals in 1979 and winning the UK Championship that same year. The Salford-born star retired in 1994 and was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame.
However, it was his broadcasting career that made him a household name. Virgo became an established part of the BBC's snooker coverage as a commentator, famous for his catchphrase "Where's the cue ball going?" His work on Big Break, where he demonstrated trick shots and entertained millions alongside Davidson, cemented his status as one of snooker's most beloved personalities.
A Complex Character Remembered Fondly
Davidson painted a picture of a man with strong opinions and human vulnerabilities. "He hated Margaret Thatcher and he knew that I loved Margaret Thatcher," Davidson revealed. "So you can imagine the rows we used to have - they were fantastic, but they were always tongue in cheek."
The comedian acknowledged Virgo's personal struggles, noting "He was vulnerable. He liked to drink. He liked to bet. He loved his family." Davidson shared a poignant story about how offering Virgo the Big Break gig had changed his friend's life when he was struggling with gambling and drinking.
"That phone call changed my life," Davidson recalled Virgo telling him. "He never forgot that. And we were mates until this morning at 5am."
Sporting World Mourns a Legend
The news of Virgo's death in Spain was announced by Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, who described it as "heartbreaking". Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, highlighting the profound impact Virgo had on snooker and broadcasting.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan expressed his grief, saying "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."
Other notable figures paying tribute included:
- Reanne Evans, 12-times women's world champion
- Former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno
- World number nine Mark Allen
- Four-time world champion Mark Selby
- Former world champion Shaun Murphy
World Snooker Tour released a statement saying "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."
The Man Behind the Microphone
John Virgo's career spanned both the playing and broadcasting eras of snooker's golden age. His 1979 UK Championship victory remains a highlight, though ironically a BBC technicians' strike meant his greatest playing moment went unrecorded.
As a broadcaster, Virgo became known for his interval impressions of rival players and his commentary style that made viewers feel he was "sat with you at the match". His popularity was such that when the BBC planned to axe him and Dennis Taylor from their commentary team in 2022, public outcry forced a U-turn.
Virgo continued commentating until recently, calling Kyren Wilson's Masters win over John Higgins just last month. He is survived by his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.
Jim Davidson captured the sentiment of many in his Instagram tribute: "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."
