John Virgo's final hours, cause of death and Big Break co-star Jim Davidson's tragic call

John Virgo's final hours, cause of death and Big Break co-star Jim Davidson's tragic callBBC snooker commentator John Virgo died aged 79 at a hospital in Spain in FebruaryCommentsSportAbbie Meehan Senior Sports Writer19:00, 17 Apr 2026View 6 ImagesJohn Virgo's spirit will be felt at the World Snooker Championship(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)John Virgo's presence will be sorely missed as the World Snooker Championship begins at the Crucible on Saturday, months after his passing at the age of 79. The legendary snooker figure died in Spain on February 4, leaving fans and colleagues throughout the sport devastated.‌He competed professionally for 18 years, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals in Sheffield in 1979. Yet it was Virgo's career after playing that brought him widespread recognition.‌After hanging up his cue in 1994, the Salford-born personality would host Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson and subsequently became a beloved BBC commentator.‌His last commentary appearance occurred just 17 days before his passing, when Kyren Wilson defeated John Higgins in the Masters final. Virgo's memorable catchphrases, including 'where's the cue ball going?' when a foul came close, became synonymous with snooker.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook pageOPINIONMark Whiley'I interviewed John Virgo before his death – he was the opposite to boring'John Virgo