Snooker player and popular broadcaster and commentator John Virgo dies aged 79
He died at his home in Spain, World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis said on social media.
greatdriffieldradio.co.ukJohn Virgo, the snooker great and broadcaster, has died aged 79 in early February 2026. Multiple outlets reported tributes from the snooker community and World Snooker Tour confirmed the news. He was best known for winning the UK Championship in 1979 and for his long television career, including BBC snooker coverage and the show Big Break.
Key points from recent coverage:
- Virgo passed away at his home in Spain, with World Snooker Tour and Snooker Legends sharing condolences. These outlets highlighted his enduring impact on the sport both as a player and as a promoter and entertainer.[2][3][7]
- tributes emphasized his larger-than-life personality and his role in making snooker popular on television, as well as his skill as a commentator, often prompting his famous line, "Where's the cue ball going?".[7][2]
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of Virgo’s career highlights and a short obituary-style summary suitable for social media, with citations.