Snooker player and popular broadcaster and commentator John Virgo dies aged 79

Former player and broadcaster John Virgo has died at the age of 79, World Snooker has announced.

He died at his home in Spain, World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis said on social media.

In a touching tribute, Mr Francis described the star on X as "an amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV".

He added: "JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone.

"Such an important person in my life, but in our sport in general."

Virgo's most notable victory was in the final of the 1979 UK Championship, where he defeated Terry Griffiths.

Other key career wins include the 1980 Bombay International, 1980 Pontins Professional and the 1984 Professional Snooker League.

He was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame in 2023 in recognition of his contributions to the sport as a player and broadcaster

Born in Salford, Greater Manchester, he came to attention in the late 1970s.

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In 1979 he surprised fans by reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship. An unfancied bet pre-tournament, Virgo beat former champion Alex Higgins in the quarter-finals before losing 16-15 to Terry Griffiths, who went on to win the championship, in the semis.

But his biggest moment came later that year when he won the UK Championship, again beating Griffiths in a tight match, this time in the final, 14-13 at the Guild Hall in Preston.

Following his retirement in 1994, he went on to have a successful broadcasting career with the BBC.

He co-hosted the snooker-themed BBC TV show Big Break with comedian Jim Davidson during the 1990s.

During his time on the show, he earned a comedic reputation for his impressions of snooker stars.

In retirement, he also began playing exhibition games - where he became known for pulling off trick shots.

Virgo also lent his hand at acting - playing himself in a radio play, Sunk, which follows an aspiring snooker player.

He also spoke candidly about his gambling addiction, with reports quoting him as admitting he borrowed £200,000 against his mortgage.

He is survived by his wife, publishing executive Rosie Ries, and his two children, Gary and Brook-Leah Virgo.

Former snooker player Mike Dunn described Virgo as a "great human being" in a social media post.

He said: "Very sadly I've just woke to the news that the great John Virgo has passed away.

"'I'm speechless and don't know what to say.

"I loved working with him, he was a great human being."

(c) Sky News 2026: Snooker player and popular broadcaster and commentator John Virgo dies aged 79