Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died aged 79.
Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
Advertisement
He is perhaps best known for his post-playing career, presenting snooker TV programme Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
Following his retirement from playing in 1994, Virgo became a BBC commentator.
His last commentary for the BBC came 17 days ago when Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins in the Masters final.
Virgo was a popular commentator, with his famous «where’s the cue ball going?» catchphrase when a player was close to committing a foul.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby said: «So sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo! Such a great guy and a huge character! He will be greatly missed! RIP JV.»
Advertisement
A World Snooker statement read: «Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo.»
Virgo, who was born in Salford in 1946, had two children – Gary and Brooke-Leah.
