According to a family source who spoke to the Mirror, Virgo died from a ruptured aorta. Virgo lived in Spain with his wife Rosie, who paid tribute to him shortly after his death. She told the Mirror: “We were just days shy of our 16 year wedding anniversary. I can’t imagine life without John, he was the love of my life and my best friend.”
James Malyon, Virgo’s closest friend, said: “I’m all over the place, it’s obviously a bit of a shock, it came out of the blue – just five hours ago. James, met John who had two children from his second marriage, Gary and Brook-Leah, playing golf.”
John Virgo pictured with his wife Rosie(Image: Hannah Brit)
Malyon met Virgo, who had two children, Gary and Brook-Leah, from his second marriage, while playing golf.
“I knew of John before he moved to Spain, of course. We’ve been good friends, I’ve loved playing golf with him and socialising with him and Rosie. He was a great man, a great character – the life and soul of the party.”
Seven-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who had previously described Virgo as a ‘mate for life’, wrote on X: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away.
“Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”
Fellow seven-time Crucible champion and BBC commentary colleague Stephen Hendry also shared an emotional tribute, writing: “Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest to work with.
“Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. Where’s the cueball going. Very sad news, absolutely gutted.”
Big Break co-star Davidson also paid tribute to his dear friend, reports the Express. posting: “Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent.
“From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”
In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie made the move to Spain, settling on the Costa del Sol in the hope that the warmer weather would ease the discomfort caused by a long-standing neck injury. Virgo leaves behind his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah, both from two previous marriages.