The snooker world is in mourning following the death of legendary player and broadcaster John Virgo at the age of 79. His passing, confirmed to be from a ruptured aorta, occurred just days before what would have been his 16th wedding anniversary with his wife, Rosie Ries.
A Heartfelt Tribute from a Devoted Wife
Rosie Ries, Virgo's third wife whom he married in 2009, has spoken movingly of her loss. 'We were just days shy of our 16-year wedding anniversary,' she told the Daily Mirror. 'I can't imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend.' The couple had been living in Mijas Costa, Malaga, after relocating from Surrey to Spain in 2020.
James Malyon, Virgo's best friend who was with Ms Ries, confirmed the sudden cause of death and described her as being 'a little bit in shock, but she's okay' and having strong support from friends and family.
A Storied Career on and off the Baize
John Virgo, born in Salford, enjoyed a significant professional snooker career spanning 18 years. His pinnacle came in 1979 when he won the UK Championship and reached the World Championship semi-finals. He retired from professional play in 1994 but remained an integral part of the sport.
He found perhaps his greatest fame as the 'voice of snooker' for the BBC, where his iconic catchphrase 'Where's the cue ball going?' became synonymous with the game. Virgo was also a beloved co-host of the popular 1990s BBC television game show 'Big Break' alongside Jim Davidson and was renowned on the exhibition circuit for his incredible array of trick shots.
Overcoming Personal Turmoil to Find Happiness
Virgo's later life with Rosie Ries represented a period of profound happiness after decades of personal difficulty. He had previously battled a severe gambling addiction, which he estimated cost him around £200,000, leading to the loss of two previous marriages, his family home in Surrey, and near-bankruptcy.
In a 2017 interview, Virgo recounted how he and Rosie finally connected after a 22-year delay, initially due to his fear of rejection. 'I used my wit, charm and repartee on her and, blow me down, two months later we got engaged,' he said. He described their wedding day as 'the best day of my life' and their marriage as 'absolutely wonderful'.
The Sporting World Mourns a Great Character
Tributes have poured in from across the worlds of snooker, broadcasting, and entertainment, highlighting Virgo's warmth, skill, and unique character.
Ronnie O'Sullivan, upon hearing the news after a match in Hong Kong, posted: 'Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away... Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.'
John Parrott, his former BBC commentary colleague, said Virgo 'transcended the sport' and praised his deep knowledge and love of a joke. 'You could have a right laugh with him,' Parrott recalled.
Sir Stephen Fry remembered Virgo's 'phenomenal' commentary skill and his personal warmth. 'He will leave such a gap in the world,' Fry said, adding a poignant reference to Virgo's famous commentary line: 'After all, as he famously liked to remind us, 'there's always a gap'.'
Jim Davidson, his 'Big Break' co-host, expressed being 'heartbroken', calling Virgo a 'great mate' who brought 'so much joy to so many'.
Further tributes came from a host of snooker stars including Shaun Murphy, who called him 'the voice of snooker', Mark Selby, Ali Carter, and Neal Foulds, who remembered him as 'incredibly generous, kind and funny'. Even former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno shared fond memories of Virgo's failed attempts to teach him trick shots.
Celebrations of a Life Well-Lived
Plans are now being made to honour John Virgo's life and legacy. A funeral is expected to take place in Spain at the end of next week, with a separate memorial service planned for the UK at a later date. These events will allow the many people whose lives he touched to pay their final respects to a true icon of British sport and broadcasting.
