John Virgo’s cause of death was revealed as his widow Rosie paid an emotional tribute

John Virgo’s widow Rosie paid an emotional tribute to the ‘love of my life’ following the snooker legend’s death aged 79.

Virgo, who became famous for presenting the popular 1990s TV show Big Break before moving into a snooker commentary role for the BBC, died at his home in Spain on Wednesday morning.

The news of Virgo’s death came as quite a shock when he was commentating on the Masters final for the BBC 17 days ago.

‘We are just days away from celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary,’ Rosie told The Mirror.

‘I can’t imagine life without John, he is the love of my life and my best friend.’

Virgo’s close friend, James Malyon, confirmed to the newspaper that the 79-year-old’s cause of death was ‘aortic rupture – sudden’.

Malyon added: ‘I was all over the place, this was obviously a bit of a shock, it happened suddenly – just five hours ago.

“Of course, I knew John before he moved to Spain. We were good friends, I enjoyed playing golf with him and socializing with him and Rosie. He was a great person, a great character, the life and soul of the party.

‘In Spain, the only time things seem to move quickly is at funerals. I’ve asked them to give us a little time. So we’ll see at the end of next week.

‘I’m now at his wife’s house, she’s a bit in shock, but she’s fine. He got a lot of support. It’s great to see how much he means to so many people. He had a long and good life.’

Virgo is survived by his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brooke-Leah.

Seven-time world champion and Virgo’s BBC commentary partner, Stephen Hendry, posted his tribute on social media: ‘Just a few weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest person to work with.
No one recreates the excitement of a match like him. “Where is the cue ball going?”

‘Very sad news, truly sad. Commenting won’t be the same. RIP JV. Thinking about you Rosie.’

Six-time world champion Steve Davis, who also worked with Virgo at the BBC, said: ‘We’re all a bit disappointed. He has a warm heart. One personal memory is when I lost to Dennis Taylor in the 1985 final – it was one of the most exciting moments in the history of the game.

“When I got back to the dressing room, I was in tears. And the only person who knocked on the door and came in was John. Not that he wanted me to win or lose, but he knew what it meant. He was touched by what had happened.

‘This is a sad and sad day for snooker. One of our most beloved friends has died and our hearts are broken. Our thoughts are with his family.

‘It has been a day to reflect on how much this kind and funny man meant to us all. And he is a brilliant commentator. The Crucible will shed more than a few tears this April.’

Hazel Irvine, who presents the BBC’s snooker coverage, said Virgo was ‘much loved and absolutely irreplaceable’.

He added: ‘This is an immeasurable loss for snooker. It’s a tight-knit sport but the broadcasting community is even tighter and it’s really surprising because John was in such incredible form and sound just a few weeks ago at the Masters.

‘He’s a great champion himself and I think his experience as a player really informed his comments.’

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