John Virgo has been reported dead at age 79, with tributes arriving from snooker fans and colleagues following the news in early February 2026. He was widely known as a long-time BBC snooker commentator and the host of John Virgo: Playing for Laughs, among other projects.[5][6][8]
Sources
John Virgo. Self: Big Break. John Virgo was born on 3 March 1946 in Salford, Lancashire, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Big Break (1990), John Virgo: Playing for Laughs (1993) and Perfect Break (2020).
www.imdb.comI’m the first to admit I watch some garbage, but rarely have I watched something so bad that I felt completely ashamed of myself for owning it – however this, ladies and gentlemen is hands do…
mondoexploito.comJohn Virgo was still commentating on snooker for the BBC weeks before his death at the age of 79, including the Masters final, as Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins
www.mirror.co.ukKnown for: Big Break, John Virgo: Playing for Laughs, Perfect Break
www.imdb.comThe 'Voice of Snooker' John Virgo has passed away at the age of 79, and fans may remember his response to reports he was going to be sacked by the BBC.
www.express.co.ukVirgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a long and storied career but was perhaps best known for his work as a broadcaster. ITV National News
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www.mirror.co.uk