Former snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo has died at the age of 79, the World Snooker Tour has announced.
Virgo, born in Salford, enjoyed an 18-year professional playing career, during which he won the UK Championship and reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
Following his retirement from professional snooker in 1994, he became a familiar voice to television audiences as a commentator for the BBC.
He was also widely known for presenting the BBC snooker game show Big Break, which ran from 1991 to 2002 and helped introduce the sport to a wider audience.
In a statement, the World Snooker Tour said they are “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, JV. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uaxCQGzQpv
— WST (@WeAreWST) February 4, 2026
Tributes have been paid from across the sporting and broadcasting world. Radio presenter Andy Goldstein said: “Terribly sad news to wake up to. Met him loads. Just a wonderful and very funny man.”
Television presenter Radzi Chinyanganya described Virgo as “as classy a human as it gets”, adding: “A voice and charisma that transcended snooker.”
Snooker broadcaster Phil Seymour said: “A genuinely lovely man, always funny, with a knack for making people smile. A sad loss.”
(Feature image used free under Alamy licence)
