John was a tremendous competitor and a very good break-builder – brilliant among the pink and black. He knew the game inside and out and backwards.
Then he transcended the sport and went into the commentary box. He did Big Break with Jim Davidson, so he became a household name to everybody.
It was that voice which was very different to everyone else and made him stand out.
You could have a right laugh with him – he loved a joke.
He had a really good act and he did impersonations of Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths, Cliff Thorburn – and they all loved it.
It was unusual for someone to do that at the end of an exhibition, but he was absolutely brilliant at it.
I’m sure when we give him a tribute at the Crucible [for the World Championship in April] they will show his impressions routine, which is just hilarious.
He was a brilliant character.