Snooker's most celebrated figures gathered at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday 16 April 2026 for a deeply moving memorial service honouring the life and career of John Virgo. The former player and commentator, who passed away in February at the age of 79, was remembered as an integral part of the sport's fabric and history.
A Storied Career Remembered
John Virgo enjoyed a distinguished playing career that peaked with his victory at the 1979 UK Championship, achieved just months after reaching the World Championship semi-finals. However, it was his subsequent transition to broadcasting that cemented his place in snooker folklore and brought him to wider public attention.
"We're Going to Miss Him Dearly"
Six-time world champion Steve Davis delivered heartfelt remarks during the service, telling the Press Association: "We're going to miss him dearly. A great commentator but a good friend to us all, he made you feel very special." Davis elaborated on Virgo's character, noting: "We all thought we were friends with John because he had a great heart and he was funny, sometimes cantankerous but we loved him for that."
Davis emphasised Virgo's enduring legacy, stating: "All in all, he was part of snooker's furniture, he was part of snooker's history and a wonderful commentator. He got the best out of every match."
Snooker's Finest Pay Respects
The memorial service attracted an extraordinary gathering of snooker luminaries. Alongside Steve Davis were seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White, John Parrott, Dennis Taylor, and Ken Doherty. Virgo's widow, Rosie Ries, was also in attendance, surrounded by the sport's community.
Current stars including John Higgins, Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy, and Neil Robertson—all preparing for the World Championship beginning that Saturday—joined the congregation to celebrate Virgo's life and contributions.
The Broadcasting Legacy
Virgo's broadcasting career proved particularly influential in popularising snooker. He co-presented the BBC's popular Saturday night programme Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002, introducing the sport to younger audiences during primetime television.
Davis revealed that Virgo considered this opportunity his career highlight: "John said that was his biggest moment in his career, not winning the 79 UK Championship but getting the phone call to go on Big Break. I think it helped another generation to appreciate snooker and he used that as a springboard to a wonderful commentary career."
A Cherished Commentary Partner
As a BBC commentator, Virgo became famous for his enthusiastic catchphrase "where's the cue ball going?" which became synonymous with snooker coverage for viewers. His passion for the sport consistently shone through his commentary.
Davis shared insights from Stephen Hendry's memorial address: "When you looked at the rota and saw you were commentating with John, you were delighted because you knew it was going to be a fun day and a good day."
A Compassionate Colleague
Davis recalled a particularly poignant memory that illustrated Virgo's character. Following Davis's dramatic loss to Dennis Taylor in the legendary 1985 World Championship "black ball final," Virgo demonstrated remarkable compassion.
"I was crying my eyes out in the dressing room and the one person who knocked on the door to commiserate with me was John Virgo," Davis remembered. "He had a big heart."
The memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral served as a fitting tribute to a man who contributed significantly to snooker both on and off the table, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence the sport for generations to come.
