The sporting world is in mourning following the announcement of snooker legend John Virgo's death at the age of 79. The BBC commentator and former Big Break host passed away at his Spanish home, surrounded by family, just weeks after commentating at the Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace.
Emotional Phone Call in Early Hours
In a heartfelt tribute video posted to his YouTube channel, comedian Jim Davidson revealed he received a devastating phone call from Virgo's daughter, Brooke-Leah, on the morning of his friend's passing. Davidson described how the news reached him at around 10am UK time, just hours after Virgo had died at 5am.
"His daughter just called me, his beautiful daughter, Brooke-Leah," Davidson shared emotionally. "Everybody is in shock. He died at 5 o'clock this morning. John lived in Spain with Rosie. It's a cliche but our thoughts and minds and hearts go out to Brooke-Leah and Gary and the children."
An Unlikely Television Partnership
The pair formed what many considered an unlikely friendship during their decade-long partnership hosting BBC's Big Break throughout the 1990s. The programme, which matched contestants with professional snooker players for various challenges, became a television phenomenon, attracting nearly 14 million viewers at its peak.
Despite their contrasting personalities - Virgo once humorously described them as "a crafty Conservative comedian and a dour northern socialist" - their on-screen chemistry proved irresistible to audiences. Davidson presented while Virgo refereed, creating one of British television's most memorable sporting entertainment duos.
Davidson's Personal Tribute
In his emotional video message, Davidson recalled their first meeting at a racecourse, where they bonded over their shared interest in horse racing. "Great bloke, John," Davidson remembered. "He was a staunch Northerner from Salford, a Labour supporter."
Davidson also revealed how he personally requested Virgo for the Big Break pilot after the original version featured the late Mike Reid. "I said, 'OK, I'll do it, but I want this guy called John Virgo.' They said, 'Who?' and I said 'You'll love him.' He didn't even audition, he just turned up. We got on like a house on fire."
Continuing Friendship Beyond Television
Their professional relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship that continued long after Big Break's final episode aired in 2002. Virgo appeared in Davidson's pantomime productions and television shows, with Davidson revealing they had spoken just last week about potential future collaborations.
"He was a great bloke, we were like chalk and cheese but we got on great and he was funny," Davidson reflected. "He was a great snooker player, he was a great dad and he was a great bloke. See you, JV."
Sporting World Reacts
The news of Virgo's passing has sent shockwaves through the snooker community, where he was widely regarded as the voice of the sport for generations of fans. Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, recognising his significant contribution both as a player and commentator.
Davidson noted that his phone had been "ringing off the hook" with media requests following the announcement, including from GB News. The comedian expressed mixed feelings about becoming part of the public mourning, questioning whether he wanted to be "one of those people who does this, 'I knew him well?'" before concluding with his personal tribute.
The loss of John Virgo marks the end of an era for British snooker and television entertainment, leaving behind a legacy that spans competitive play, commentary, and one of the most successful sports entertainment programmes in BBC history.
