BBC and snooker legend John Virgo died aged 79 after a ruptured aorta.

BBC and snooker legend John Virgo died aged 79 after a ruptured aorta.

 

 

John Virgo, the former professional snooker player and beloved BBC broadcaster, has died at the age of 79 after suffering a ruptured aorta, his family and snooker organisations have confirmed. The news was officially announced on 4 February 2026, sending shockwaves through the sporting community and sparking an outpouring of tributes from players, broadcasters and fans around the world.

Virgo’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned the table’s elite competitive era and the sport’s rise into mainstream television. Born John Trevor Virgo on 4 March 1946 in Salford, Greater Manchester, England, he turned professional relatively late in life, at the age of 30, but quickly established himself as a formidable competitor.

His greatest achievement as a player came in 1979 when he captured the UK Championship title, one of snooker’s most prestigious events, defeating Terry Griffiths 14–13 in a dramatic final. In the same season, he also reached the semi-final of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, cementing his status among the sport’s leading figures of the era.

Though his competitive career spanned nearly two decades, Virgo was to become even more widely known off the professional circuit. After retiring from competitive play in 1994, he transitioned to broadcasting and entertainment — a move that would define his legacy for generations of viewers.

For many, Virgo was the voice and personality behind snooker on the BBC. He became a fixture of the network’s coverage of major tournaments, renowned for his enthusiastic commentary, sharp insight, and signature lines such as his iconic catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”, a humorous but astute way of questioning a player’s strategy during game play.

Virgo also expanded his television presence as co-host of the long-running BBC game show Big Break from 1991 to 2002, alongside presenter Jim Davidson. The programme blended snooker with general entertainment and became a cultural touchstone of 1990s British TV, attracting millions of viewers each week.

His contributions were widely celebrated within the sport. In 2023, he was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame, an acknowledgment of his impact both on the table and in the commentary booth.

Virgo had continued working almost up until his death; his final broadcast for the BBC was at the 2026 Masters final in London in January, just weeks before he passed away.

News of his death led to heartfelt tributes from across the snooker world. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was among those to publicly mourn Virgo, describing him as a “great mate” whose presence in the sport had been indispensable. Many other players, commentators and fans highlighted his warmth, humour and unique contribution to snooker and broadcasting.

Virgo is survived by his wife Rosie and his children. His sudden death from a ruptured aorta is being mourned as a profound loss to both the snooker community and the wider world of sports broadcasting.