The unexpected passing of snooker icon John Virgo has reverberated across the world of sports today. His bereaved spouse has shared her sentiments with the Mirror in an exclusive interview, leading a wave of tributes for the man affectionately known as ‘Mr. Perfection.’
In 1979, John clinched victory over Terry Griffiths in the UK Championship after a dramatic semi-final appearance at the World Championship. Despite a late arrival for the final session leading to a penalty of two frames, he secured the title. Known for his larger-than-life persona, he gained popularity as the co-host of the 1990s game show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson, famous for his catchphrase “Where’s the cue ball going?” Additionally, he excelled as a prominent commentator for snooker events broadcasted by the BBC.
Shortly after his passing at their residence in Mijas Costa, Spain, Rosie Ries, John’s widow, expressed her profound sorrow, stating, “We were about to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Losing John is unimaginable to me; he was not just my life partner but also my closest confidant.” Having tied the knot in 2009, the couple’s bond had evolved from a longstanding friendship spanning several decades.
John’s close friend James Malyon, alongside Rosie, disclosed the cause of death as a sudden rupture of the aorta, catching everyone off guard. Overwhelmed by the tragic turn of events, he remarked, “I’m still processing it; the news hit us like a bolt from the blue, just a few hours ago.” Recalling their shared passion for golf, James reminisced about their cherished moments together, praising John as a remarkable individual and the heartbeat of social gatherings.
Plans are underway for multiple commemorative events in honor of John, who relocated from Surrey to Spain in 2020. James mentioned, “We aim to have a series of remembrances, starting from next week. In Spain, funeral arrangements typically proceed swiftly, but we have requested a brief respite. Our target is towards the end of the upcoming week.” The forthcoming service will unite friends and family in Mijas Costa, situated approximately 20 minutes away from Malaga, with a memorial service slated to take place in the UK.
Renowned for his vibrant personality as much as his trademark waistcoats, John’s journey from his upbringing in post-war Salford, inheriting his father’s passion for horse racing, to his teenage days hustling in local snooker venues, culminated in a successful professional snooker career that concluded in 1994. His foray into mainstream fame and financial success commenced with the popular snooker-themed television show Big Break, spanning from 1991 to 2002, which led to diverse opportunities such as launching a waistcoat line, venturing into pantomime roles, securing book deals, and creating his own trick shot app.
Fellow snooker luminary and World Champion Ken Doherty, reflecting on their camaraderie during BBC commentaries, expressed deep sorrow at John’s passing, remarking, “I’m devastated and in disbelief. John was a delightful companion, and his absence leaves a significant void. Our collaboration brought us close, akin to a mentorship. It’s a profound loss for me. Just before Christmas, we shared memorable moments in Spain, dining together and enjoying rounds of golf.”
Describing John as a masterful storyteller and highlighting their shared affinity for Manchester United, Ken reminisced about their shared experiences, emphasizing John’s role in enriching his commentary style with humor and theatrical flair. Ken fondly recalled John’s impactful presence and the invaluable lessons learned during their time together.
In his autobiography “Say Goodnight JV” published in 2017, John candidly addressed his struggles with a severe gambling addiction that nearly derailed his personal and professional life, recounting the challenges he faced, including a significant financial setback. Prior to his demise, John participated in several sold-out shows as part of the Black Ball 40th Anniversary Tour, including a noteworthy commentary on the rematch between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor from the historic 1985 World Snooker Final.
Dennis Taylor, reflecting on their enduring friendship spanning over five decades, expressed disbelief at John’s untimely passing, highlighting their shared experiences and mutual growth within the snooker realm. Fondly recalling their recent collaborations and John’s comedic talents, Dennis underscored John’s pivotal role in infusing humor into snooker commentary, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and its enthusiasts.
Snooker champion Steve Davis, visibly moved by John’s demise, recollected a poignant moment following his defeat in the 1985 final, where John’s heartfelt gesture of compassion provided solace during a challenging time. Expressing profound grief over the loss of a beloved friend, Steve emphasized John’s warm-hearted nature and the
