Snooker legend John Virgo has died at the age of 79, passing away in Spain on Wednesday morning.
The beloved broadcaster and former UK Championship winner remained devoted to the sport right until the very end, having worked in the commentary box during the Masters just last month.
Virgo enjoyed a distinguished playing career that saw him reach the semi-finals at the World Championship and claim the UK title, establishing himself as one of the game's most recognisable figures.
But it was his decades-long presence on BBC broadcasts that truly cemented his place in the hearts of snooker fans across Britain.
John Virgo has tragically died at the age of 79
|PA
His unmistakable voice became synonymous with televised snooker, entertaining viewers for generations.
Of course, fans will forever associate Virgo with one particular phrase: "Where's the cue ball going?"
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John Virgo became a household name co-presenting the BBC snooker-themed game show Big Break | PAIt's a question he posed countless times during broadcasts, and one that people would constantly repeat back to him whenever they spotted him in public.
"I've learned in my life, if you say something enough times, people are going to treat it as a catchphrase," he told The Mirror in April 2024.
But Virgo was always honest about where the famous line originated.
"I got it from Ted," he admitted, referring to legendary commentator 'Whispering' Ted Lowe.
"Ted didn't say it as often as I do, but Ted would ask 'where's the cue ball going?' So I just raised it up a notch."
Beyond his commentary work, Virgo became a household name through Big Break, the hugely popular snooker game show he presented alongside comedian Jim Davidson.
John Virgo and Jim Davidson were the closest of friends | PAThe programme ran from 1991 to 2002, bringing the sport into living rooms across the country in an entirely different format.
Virgo credited the show with shaping his approach behind the microphone.
"I learned a lot of my commentary moves from Big Break," he explained.
His philosophy was simple: make snooker exciting for everyone watching at home.
"If I see the cue ball heading towards the pocket, I want people to be aware that it could go in-off," he said. "And if that adds a bit of excitement and gets people involved, then brilliant."
"I want people to enjoy watching snooker. It's as simple as that."
Tributes have poured in from across the snooker world following the sad news.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis shared the announcement, writing:
"Heartbreaking to share the news that we've lost the great 'JV' John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain."
Francis confirmed that Virgo's wife Rosie, daughter Brooke-Leah, son Gary and grandchildren have been informed.
"JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone," he added.
"Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV."
The World Snooker Tour also paid their respects, saying: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."