Hazel Irvine delivered a touching birthday message to Rosie, the widow of the late John Virgo, during the BBC's coverage of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible. The tribute came after a video montage featuring memories from top players, prompting Irvine to reflect on the snooker legend's impact.
Irvine 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 that it was Rosie's birthday, adding: '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.'
Blowing a kiss to the camera, Irvine continued: '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.' The broadcast then returned to the match between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize.
Fellow commentator Dennis Taylor added: 'What a wonderful tribute to our dear friend John Virgo that was.' He also noted that Ray Edmonds, another BBC commentator and friend of Virgo, had turned 90 the previous Saturday. Earlier in the day, fans in the Crucible crowd were spotted wearing T-shirts bearing Virgo's famous phrases, including 'Is there a gap? There's always a gap!'
John Virgo, known as the 'Voice of Snooker', died in February at the age of 79 in Spain, just a month after commentating at the Masters. Tributes have been paid throughout the tournament.
