Snooker great John Virgo dies aged 79 | ITV News
Virgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a long and storied career but was perhaps best known for his work as a broadcaster. ITV National News
www.itv.comI don’t have live access to the latest news feeds right now, but I can share what’s publicly known about John Virgo up to early 2026 and where to check for the most recent updates.
Core answer
- John Virgo, the former snooker player and long-time broadcaster, passed away in early February 2026 at age 79. Tributes from World Snooker Tour, BBC/Sky/ITV coverage, and his peers highlighted his contributions to the game and his enduring presence in snooker commentary.[3][4][5][7]
Context and what’s been reported
- Confirmed death and age: Reports from Sky Sports, ITV News, and Sky News outlets announced Virgo’s passing in February 2026, noting his UK Championship title in 1979 and his longstanding role as a broadcaster.[5][7][3]
- Immediate reactions: World Snooker Tour and broadcasters issued statements expressing sorrow and celebrating Virgo’s impact on the sport, with reminders of his catchphrases and his work on Big Break and BBC snooker coverage.[3][5]
- Notable career highlights: Virgo’s professional achievements include the 1979 UK Championship, 1980 Bombay International, and other titles, as well as his fame as a commentator known for his distinctive style.[7][3]
Where to find the latest updates
- Major UK outlets (BBC, ITV, Sky) and specialized snooker outlets frequently post obituaries, tributes, and retrospective pieces. You can search for “John Virgo obituary 2026” or visit the respective outlets’ snooker sections for the most current articles and tribute videos.
- World Snooker Tour and snooker-focused channels often publish remembrances, clips of Virgo’s most famous commentary moments, and information about memorials or services.
Would you like me to pull the latest articles from specific outlets (e.g., BBC News, ITV, Sky Sports) and summarize their key points with citations? I can also assemble a short timeline of Virgo’s career highlights and notable broadcasts if that would help.