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A larger than life character, John Virgo, whose death shocked the sporting world today, was a snooker legend that became a TV favourite
The death of snooker legend John Virgo had the sporting world reeling today, and tributes have been pouring in from all those that knew him. John was 79 years old when he died, at his home in Spain. He co-hosted 1990s gameshow Big Break with Jim Davidson, and his famous catchphrase was: “Where’s the cue ball going?” In his later years he was a champion commentator too, covering snooker for the BBC.
His widow, Rosie Ries told The Mirror: “We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary. I can’t imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend.” John’s best friend James Malyon, who was with Rosie, added: “I’m all over the place, it’s obviously a bit of a shock – just five hours ago. “A ruptured aorta – completely out of the blue.”
John Virgo’s devastated widow breaks silence over BBC star’s sudden death
Growing up in post-war Salford, John inherited his father’s love of horse racing and spent his teenage years hustling in local snooker clubs. In his 2017 autobiography, Say Goodnight JV, he spoke candidly about the severe gambling addiction that nearly destroyed his life and career.
Turning pro in 1976, after retiring in 1994, he was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame. And he found even wider fame – and fortune – on the snooker-based game show Big Break, which ran from 1991 to 2002. He even brought out his own line of waistcoats on the back of it and it led to panto roles, book deals – and his own trick shot app.
Snooker champion Steve Davis choked back tears, as he added: “We’re all a bit upset. He had such a warm heart.”
Fellow snooker legend and World Champion Ken Doherty, who commentated alongside John for the BBC, said: “I’m in shock, absolutely devastated. He was great company. His death is such a loss. He touched so many people’s lives.
