Snooker legend John Virgo’s cause of death has been disclosed following the announcement of his tragic passing earlier today. Virgo died unexpectedly aged 79 on Monday, with tributes flooding in from across the snooker community and beyond. A prominent figure in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s, Virgo’s pinnacle achievement came with his 1979 UK Championship triumph. He also reached the World Championship semi-finals that same year.
However, he became a familiar face in households nationwide during the 1990s by co-presenting Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson. Known as the voice of snooker, Virgo enjoyed a distinguished commentary career with the BBC, his iconic phrase ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ becoming synonymous with his broadcasting style. He passed away from a ruptured aorta, according to a family source who spoke to the Mirror.
Virgo resided in Spain with wife Rosie, who paid tribute within hours of his death. She told the Mirror: « We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary. I can’t imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend. »
Virgo’s closest friend James Malyon said: « I’m all over the place, it’s obviously a bit of a shock, it came out of the blue – just five hours ago. James, met John who had two children from his second marriage, Gary and Brook-Leah, playing golf.
« I knew of John before he moved to Spain, of course. We’ve been good friends, I’ve loved playing golf with him and socialising with him and Rosie. He was a great man, a great character – the life and soul of the party. »
Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who had previously described Virgo as a ‘mate for life’, wrote on X: « Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away.
« Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted. »
Fellow seven-time Crucible king and Virgo’s fellow BBC commentator Stephen Hendry also penned an emotional tribute. He wrote: « Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest to work with.
« Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. Where’s the cueball going. Very sad news, absolutely gutted. »
Big Break colleague Davidson also paid tribute to his great friend, writing: « Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. 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. Rest easy, John. You will be missed. »
In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie relocated to Spain. The pair moved to the Costa del Sol and hoped that the milder climate would help alleviate Virgo’s discomfort from a chronic neck injury.
Virgo is survived by his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah. His children were from two previous marriages.
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