John Virgo’s cause of death has been announced after his sad death
Benjamin Blosse and James Whaling
06:48, 05 Feb 2026
John Virgo with his wife Rosie(Image: Hannah Brit)
The cause of death for snooker legend John Virgo has been revealed following the announcement of his sudden passing at the age of 79 on Monday. Tributes have poured in from across the snooker world and beyond for Virgo, who was a key figure in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s, with his crowning achievement being his victory in the 1979 UK Championship.
He also made it to the semi-finals of the World Championship that same year.
However, he became a household name in the 1990s when he co-presented Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson. Known as the voice of snooker, Virgo had a successful commentary career with the BBC, where his catchphrase ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ became a hallmark of his broadcasting style.
According to a family source who spoke to the Mirror, Virgo died from a ruptured aorta. Virgo lived in Spain with his wife Rosie, who paid tribute to him shortly after his death. She told the Mirror: “We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary. I can’t imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend.”
James Malyon, Virgo’s closest friend, said: “I’m all over the place, it’s obviously a bit of a shock, it came out of the blue – just five hours ago. James, met John who had two children from his second marriage, Gary and Brook-Leah, playing golf.”
John Virgo pictured with his wife Rosie(Image: Hannah Brit)
Malyon met Virgo, who had two children, Gary and Brook-Leah, from his second marriage, while playing golf.
“I knew of John before he moved to Spain, of course. We’ve been good friends, I’ve loved playing golf with him and socialising with him and Rosie. He was a great man, a great character – the life and soul of the party.”
Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who had previously described Virgo as a ‘mate for life’, wrote on X: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away.
“Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Fellow seven-time Crucible champion and BBC commentary colleague Stephen Hendry also shared an emotional tribute, writing: “Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest to work with.
“Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. Where’s the cueball going. Very sad news, absolutely gutted.”
Big Break co-star Davidson also paid tribute to his dear friend, reports the Express. posting: “Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent.
“From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”
In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie made the move to Spain, settling on the Costa del Sol in the hope that the warmer weather would ease the discomfort caused by a long-standing neck injury. Virgo leaves behind his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah, both from two previous marriages.