John Virgo: More Than Trick Shots and Waistcoats
The world of snooker has lost one of its most beloved and iconic figures with the passing of John Virgo at the age of 79. While his death marks the end of an era for the sport, his legacy extends far beyond the green baize, thanks to his immense charm, charisma, and multifaceted career that captivated audiences for generations.
A Talented Player on the World Stage
Although memories of his playing days may be fading for some, John Virgo was undoubtedly one of snooker's elite competitors during the late 1970s and throughout the sport's explosive popularity boom in the 1980s. His crowning achievement came in 1979 when he triumphed at the UK Championship, defeating future world champions Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor on his way to the final, where he overcame reigning Crucible king Terry Griffiths.
Virgo's tournament victories showcased his versatility, ranging from the Pontins Professional in Prestatyn to the Bombay International. He came agonisingly close to snooker's ultimate prize in 1979 when he reached the World Championship semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre. While his playing career was impressive, it was his transition from talented cueist to national treasure that truly defined his impact.
From Exhibition Impressions to Television Stardom
Virgo demonstrated his natural flair for entertainment while still competing professionally, delighting audiences with spot-on impressions of fellow players during exhibition matches. These performances, which were significant money-earners for snooker stars between tournaments, allowed the Lancastrian to hone his act before live crowds across the country, ultimately propelling him toward television fame.
For millions, John Virgo will be forever remembered as the dry-witted sidekick to frontman Jim Davidson on Big Break, the BBC's primetime snooker-themed game show that became a Saturday night institution. In what now seems like a different era, the nation regularly tuned in to watch the pair encourage snooker players competing for modest cash prizes and Mediterranean cruises.
JV would demonstrate breathtaking trick shots for amateur contestants to replicate as they attempted to win one of his colourful waistcoats, while the familiar catchphrases 'Pot as many balls as you can' and 'G'night JV' became embedded in popular culture. The show's peak audience exceeded 13 million viewers, with Virgo's easy charm and dry wit making him a household name.
The Height of 1990s Fame and Celebrity Encounters
The trappings of 1990s celebrity followed, including a memorable Gotcha appearance on Noel's House Party and pantomime performances alongside Dave Benson-Phillips. Virgo once remarked that he would have needed to reach the World Championship semi-finals to match his pantomime earnings, telling the Talking Snooker podcast in 2021: 'I've been lucky. It's all down to the game of snooker.'
Reflecting on Big Break's incredible decade-long run of nearly 200 episodes, Virgo recalled Noel Edmonds crediting the show with boosting Saturday night ratings, saying: 'Noel said it was Big Break bringing in the audience and they were staying with us.'
His fame reached such heights that he found himself mixing with figures far beyond snooker, including a remarkable encounter with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The self-described 'dour northern socialist' recounted how Davidson introduced him to Thatcher, who reportedly told the comedian: 'Dennis and I love Big Break, and that John Virgo, how funny is he!' Virgo humorously recalled watching fireworks with the Prime Minister holding his hand, joking that his friends would have given him 'a whack round the head' if they'd witnessed the scene.
The Voice That Defined Snooker for Decades
While Big Break eventually concluded, Virgo's commentary career continued to flourish, with his distinctive voice providing the soundtrack to countless memorable snooker moments over four decades. Though his unforgettable cry of 'Where's the cue ball going?' will be fondly remembered, Virgo brought far more to the commentary box than catchphrases.
More than any other former player, he possessed a unique ability to build dramatic tension at precisely the right moments, particularly as coverage returned to the studio. No commentator could make viewers anticipate the next break-off quite like JV, whose skill at conveying contest drama was unparalleled. Yet perhaps his greatest commentary quality remained his humour, creating an atmosphere where co-commentators clearly relished sharing the box with him for what promised to be thoroughly enjoyable broadcasting sessions.
Virgo took snooker seriously—it was his life—but always maintained a light touch that kept viewers both entertained and educated about the shots he described. Even recently at the Masters, when action resumed following an interview with England rugby star Ben Earl, Virgo quipped: 'He's a big lad. If he says it's Tuesday, it's Tuesday as far as I'm concerned.'
A Life Gratefully Lived Through Snooker
John Virgo carried himself with the demeanour of someone who appreciated every opportunity, determined to enjoy the wonderful life snooker had given him. He once reflected: 'When I went in the snooker club as a kid, I never thought it would be a game that would take me all round the world. I love the game and it's given me everything. Whatever part of it people remember is good enough for me.'
Whatever parts of John Virgo's remarkable journey people choose to remember—whether his playing achievements, television stardom, or iconic commentary—they will be recalled with immense affection and gratitude for a man who became synonymous with snooker's golden era. Goodnight, JV.
