Hazel Irvine shared heartfelt words and a birthday message following a moving tribute to the late John Virgo during the BBC's World Snooker Championship final broadcast. The beloved commentator, known as the Voice of Snooker, passed away earlier this year, and the Crucible has hosted several fitting memorials.
After a video montage featuring recollections from the sport's finest players, the programme returned to the studio, where Irvine offered a moment of contemplation. She said: 'I think John Parrott said it for all of us at the memorial...if only you had 30 seconds to say what you really feel about someone. I think we can all take that to heart in whatever walk of life we're in.'
She then revealed: 'It's also John's fantastic wife Rosie's birthday today. I know you'll be watching and we send all the love in the world to you. Please know that we talk about John and you every single day.' Irvine blew a kiss towards the camera and added: 'Our greatest big kiss to you.'
'He would love this final, John Virgo, and I'm sure somewhere he'll be watching and enjoying it,' Irvine noted before returning to the commentary box as Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize resumed their evening session.
Once play resumed, Dennis Taylor said: 'What a wonderful tribute to our dear friend John Virgo that was.' The 1985 world champion then had his own birthday greeting, noting that Ray Edmonds, a fellow commentator and friend of Virgo, turned 90 last Saturday.
Taylor pointed out two supporters in the Crucible crowd wearing shirts displaying Virgo's iconic phrases: 'Where's the cue ball going?' and 'Inch perfect.' He said: 'Well done boys.'
Earlier in the day, during the opening of Murphy's match, fans wore T-shirts bearing another of Virgo's famous sayings: 'Is there a gap? There's always a gap!' BBC commentator John Parrott remarked: 'Oh and that's a lovely touch, fans coming today, of course we lost our great friend John Virgo. Well done fellas. Nice touch, one of John's favourite sayings.'
Virgo passed away aged 79 in February in Spain, just over a month after commentating at the Masters.
