Dennis Taylor has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late snooker icon John Virgo. The renowned sports figure, Virgo, passed away at the age of 79 earlier this month.
Virgo initially gained fame as a player by clinching the 1979 UK Championship title before transitioning into a successful broadcasting career. He was widely recognized for his contributions to BBC’s snooker coverage and his role on the popular game show, Big Break.
Taylor, a fellow snooker legend, shared the screen with Virgo on various occasions, including providing commentary during Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record-breaking performance at the 1997 World Snooker Championship.
Virgo, who was a prominent figure in snooker commentary for around four decades, tragically passed away on February 4 in Spain due to a ruptured aorta. Taylor, a close friend of Virgo, honored his memory during the BBC’s coverage of the Welsh Open.
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Taylor described Virgo as a charismatic showman and entertainer, emphasizing their shared passion for the sport and dedication to delivering engaging commentary to viewers. He fondly recalled their humorous moments and entertaining antics, highlighting Virgo’s talent for impersonations and comedic performances.
Taylor also reminisced about their joint ventures in snooker exhibitions and the joy they brought to audiences with their skillful play and lively banter. He cherished memories of their collaborative efforts and the camaraderie they shared both on and off the screen.
In closing, Taylor expressed his deep sorrow over Virgo’s passing, emphasizing the significant loss felt by the entire snooker community and his personal grief at the absence of his dear friend. He concluded with a poignant reference to Virgo’s signature sign-off from Big Break, bidding a heartfelt farewell to the beloved commentator, “Goodnight, JV.”