Dennis Taylor pays heartfelt tribute to the late snooker icon John Virgo, who passed away at 79 years old earlier this month. Virgo, known for his UK Championship win in 1979 and subsequent broadcasting career, was a beloved figure in the snooker world and a familiar face on BBC’s snooker coverage and the popular game show Big Break.
Taylor, a fellow snooker legend who shared the screen with Virgo on various occasions, reminisced about their long friendship and shared experiences both on and off the commentary box. Together, they witnessed Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record-breaking performance at the 1997 World Snooker Championship.
Virgo, a dominant figure in snooker commentary for nearly four decades, tragically passed away in Spain on February 4 due to a ruptured aorta. Taylor honored his dear friend during a BBC broadcast of the Welsh Open, expressing admiration for Virgo’s showmanship, commentary skills, and entertainment value.
Reflecting on their shared journey in the industry, Taylor highlighted their mutual passion for delivering snooker commentary in a casual, engaging manner. He praised Virgo’s talent for impersonations and humor, reminiscing about their entertaining exhibitions and memorable moments together, including Virgo’s famous Ray Reardon impersonation.
Taylor fondly recalled their collaboration on the black ball final shows alongside Steve Davis for nine years, cherishing a poignant photograph taken at their last performance. He emphasized the impact of Virgo’s presence in the snooker community and the commentary box, expressing his personal loss and concluding with a touching reference to their shared memories on Big Break.
“Goodnight, JV.”
