John Virgo, Snooker Legend and ‘Big Break’ Star, Dies at 79
Snooker icon John Virgo, celebrated for his skill at the table, his quick wit, and his pivotal role in the hugely popular game show Big Break, has died at the age of 79. He passed away at his home in Spain on Thursday, less than three weeks after providing commentary for the Masters final, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the baize.
Virgo’s life was a compelling blend of sporting achievement and personal turmoil, ultimately finding a remarkable second act through television. Comedian Jim Davidson recognized Virgo’s charisma and down-to-earth personality, casting him as the ideal co-host for Big Break, a show that would captivate audiences for over a decade.
The game show, which featured Virgo demonstrating trick shots and offering commentary on contestants’ attempts at snooker, drew up to 14 million viewers every Saturday for 11 years starting in 1991. Davidson, visibly heartbroken, recounted how the BBC initially considered other pairings before he championed Virgo’s inclusion. “They didn’t want Mike Reid to do it, so they asked me,” Davidson told The Sun. “I said, ‘Don’t use Len, get John Virgo in.’ I thought he would be brilliant.”
Virgo himself acknowledged the transformative impact of the opportunity. “My life was going down the pan quickly and then I got a phone call from Jim and it changed everything,” he once said. Davidson described the unlikely duo as “chalk and cheese,” noting their contrasting political views – Virgo a staunch socialist, Davidson a supporter of Margaret Thatcher – but emphasized their strong rapport and comedic chemistry.
Big Break proved to be a lifeline for both men, who were navigating personal challenges at the time. Davidson gifted Virgo a £10,000 Cartier watch early in the show’s run as a gesture of gratitude for revitalizing his career. A running joke on set, stemming from their concurrent divorces, saw Virgo quip, “More money for the ex-wives” whenever the show’s theme tune, “Snookering You Tonight!”, played.
Born John Trevor Virgo on March 4, 1946, he rose from humble beginnings as the son of a dock worker in Salford. His father, William, worked as a crane driver, while his mother, Florence, raised seven children during wartime rationing. A six-foot by three-foot snooker baize laid out on the dining table on Christmas Day 1954 ignited a passion that would define his life.
Virgo quickly demonstrated prodigious talent, winning the 1962 National Under-16 Championship and, in 1965, becoming the first amateur to record an official 147 break – a feat that earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He turned professional in 1976 at the age of 30, quickly becoming a beloved figure known for his impressions of fellow players like Ray Reardon, Willie Thorne, and Dennis Taylor. He achieved a career high by winning the 1979 UK Championship, though the £4,500 prize money proved insufficient to offset his growing expenses.
However, Virgo’s success was shadowed by a debilitating gambling addiction. He borrowed over £200,000 against his mortgage over six years in the 1980s, ultimately losing his three-bedroom Surrey home. “It was a vicious circle,” Virgo admitted. “I was borrowing against the mortgage just to keep up the pretence that I was successful.” He detailed the pressures of maintaining a certain lifestyle and the allure of supplementing his income through horse racing, a hobby that spiraled into a costly compulsion.
Saved by the financial stability provided by Big Break and subsequent pantomime appearances with Davidson, Virgo eventually retired from competitive play to focus on broadcasting and commentary. His later life wasn’t without its complexities; by 1999, he faced homelessness after being ousted by both his second wife, Avril, and his mistress. Avril publicly accused Virgo of financial mismanagement while she and their daughter struggled with debt.
He ultimately found lasting happiness with his third wife, Rosie, whom he affectionately called “my guardian angel,” and they were married for nearly 17 years. Virgo continued to commentate on snooker tournaments worldwide, including a memorable 76-minute frame between Mark Selby and Marco Fu at the 2016 World Championship. He also became known for a viral hot mic moment during that event, jokingly lamenting his inability to watch horse racing.
Jim Davidson summed up the sentiments of countless fans, stating, “John was funny, a great snooker player, a great dad and a great bloke. See you, JV.” His legacy extends beyond his sporting achievements and television fame, a testament to a life lived fully, with both its triumphs and tribulations.
