Snooker World Mourns as Legend John Virgo Passes Away at 79
The snooker community is in mourning following the sudden death of beloved icon John Virgo at the age of 79. The former UK Championship winner and legendary BBC commentator passed away at his home in Spain on Monday, with tributes flooding in from across the sporting world and beyond.
Cause of Death Revealed and Emotional Family Tributes
John Virgo's cause of death has been confirmed as a ruptured aorta, according to sources close to the family. The news comes just weeks after he provided commentary for the BBC during the 2026 Masters tournament, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.
His wife Rosie, who had been married to Virgo for nearly 16 years, paid a heartbreaking tribute shortly after his passing. "We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary," she told the Mirror. "I can't imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend."
The couple had relocated to Spain's Costa del Sol in 2020, hoping the warmer climate would help alleviate Virgo's chronic neck pain. They had built a life together in their Spanish home, where Virgo enjoyed playing golf and socialising with friends.
A Storied Career: From Champion Player to Household Name
John Virgo's snooker career reached its pinnacle in 1979 when he claimed victory at the UK Championship and reached the World Championship semi-finals during the same remarkable year. As a player during the 1970s and 1980s, he established himself as a formidable competitor on the professional circuit.
However, it was through television that Virgo became a true household name across Britain. His role as co-host of the popular BBC programme Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson during the 1990s brought snooker entertainment into millions of living rooms.
Virgo later transitioned into what many considered his natural calling: commentary. Dubbed 'the voice of snooker', his enthusiastic broadcasting style and famous catchphrase 'where's the cue ball going?' became synonymous with BBC snooker coverage for decades.
Snooker Greats Pay Emotional Tributes
The news of Virgo's passing prompted an outpouring of grief from snooker's biggest names. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who had previously described Virgo as a 'mate for life', expressed his devastation on social media.
"Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away," O'Sullivan wrote. "Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted."
Fellow seven-time world champion and BBC commentary colleague Stephen Hendry shared similar sentiments, recalling their recent work together at the Masters tournament. "Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters," Hendry wrote. "He was the greatest to work with. Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him."
Friends and Colleagues Remember a 'Great Character'
Jim Davidson, Virgo's co-host on Big Break, expressed his heartbreak at the loss of his 'great mate'. "Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79," Davidson wrote. "What a character, what a talent. From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many."
Close friend James Malyon, who regularly played golf with Virgo in Spain, described the shock of the sudden loss. "I'm all over the place, it's obviously a bit of a shock, it came out of the blue," Malyon said. "He was a great man, a great character - the life and soul of the party."
Family Legacy and Personal Life
John Virgo is survived by his wife Rosie and his two children from previous marriages: son Gary and daughter Brook-Leah. His daughter reportedly contacted Jim Davidson with further details about her father's tragic passing as the family comes to terms with their loss.
Virgo's contribution to snooker spanned multiple decades and touched every aspect of the sport - from his competitive playing days through to his television presenting and ultimately his iconic commentary work. His distinctive voice and enthusiastic style became an integral part of how generations of British viewers experienced snooker.
The snooker world has lost not just a talented player and broadcaster, but a genuine character whose passion for the game was matched only by his warmth and friendship toward those who knew him personally.
