Dennis Taylor has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and snooker icon John Virgo, who passed away at the age of 79 earlier this month. Virgo, a renowned figure in the snooker world, first gained fame as a player by winning the 1979 UK Championship before transitioning into a successful broadcasting career. He became a beloved fixture on BBC’s snooker coverage and gained further recognition for his involvement in the popular game show Big Break.
Taylor, a fellow snooker legend, shared fond memories of his time working alongside Virgo on various snooker programs, including the historic moment when Ronnie O’Sullivan achieved the fastest maximum break at the 1997 World Snooker Championship. Virgo, who served as the distinctive voice of snooker for nearly four decades, tragically passed away on February 4 in Spain due to a ruptured aorta.
During the BBC’s coverage of the Welsh Open, Taylor expressed his deep admiration for Virgo, describing him as a talented showman, commentator, and entertainer. Reflecting on their long friendship and shared passion for snooker commentary, Taylor praised Virgo’s engaging style and humor, highlighting their successful partnership in entertaining audiences with trick shots and impersonations. Taylor fondly recalled the joy they brought to fans through their exhibitions and humorous performances, emphasizing the impact Virgo had on the snooker community.
In a touching tribute, Taylor reminisced about their shared experiences and the special bond they formed over the years. He expressed his gratitude for the cherished memories they created together and the lasting impression Virgo left on the world of snooker. Taylor concluded his tribute by honoring Virgo’s legacy and expressing his deep sense of loss, echoing the sentiments of the snooker fraternity in bidding farewell to a beloved colleague and friend.