JOHN Virgo was a former pro snooker player, commentator and trick-shot specialist, who invented many of the terms used by pundits on TV.
The much-loved pocket billiards pioneer sadly passed away aged 79 on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Here we get to know his wife and family.
John Virgo’s heartbroken colleagues confirmed the news of his passing on social media this morning.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis wrote: “Heart breaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.
“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren.
“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone. 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.
“Hard to take this one…one great person who touched so many lives and loved the game. We will never forget you bud. RIP JV.”
The World Snooker Tour also paid tribute: “Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
While Sean Murphy wrote: “I first met John in 1994, filming Junior Big Break. He then went on to become a friend and colleague.
“I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box.
“The voice of snooker will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace John Virgo.”
Who was John Virgo?
John Virgo was born in Salford on March 4, 1946.
His first appearance at a major competition came during the 1973 American Pool Tournament for The Indoor League, where he lost in the semi-final.
Three years later, he became a snooker pro aged 30, remarkably making him one of the youngest players on the circuit back then.
Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo
World Snooker Tour
In 1977, John made the semi-finals of the UK Championship, but lost to eventual winner Patsy Fagan.
The biggest triumph of his playing career came in 1979, when he won the UK Championship, defeating all-time great Terry Griffiths 14-13 in a gripping final.
Amazingly, he was docked two frames for turning up late, but still went on to lift the trophy.
He won four pro titles in all, including the 1980 Bombay International and the 1984 Professional Snooker League.
John reached the semi-finals of the World Championship and was in the sport‘s Top 16 for seven consecutive seasons.
He also reached the finals of both the 1980 Champion of Champions and 1984 Australian Masters, before calling time on his 18-year playing career in 1994.
He transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a staple BBC snooker commentator known for clever catchphrases such as “Betwixt and between” and “Where’s the cueball going?”
Between 1991 and 2002, John was the co-presenter of Big Break alongside Jim Davidson, where he coined the immortal catchphrase: “Pot as many balls as you can.”
Who is John Virgo’s wife Rosie?
Rosie Ries is John’s third wife – the pair tied the knot in 2009.
They had known each other for two decades before the snooker legend built up the courage to ask her out.
In 2017, he told the Mirror: “A mate tried to set us up years ago but then his girlfriend said she wouldn’t be interested in me.
“I was so frightened of a knock-back, I didn’t ask her for out for 22 years. By then I’d lived on my own for five years and I needed that time to re-centre myself.
“But eventually we went on a date. I used my wit, charm and repartee on her and, blow me down, two months later we got engaged.”
John and Rosie settled in Cobham, England after marrying.
Rosie spent nearly three decades working as a journalist and publishing executive before retiring in 2018.
In 2020, the couple moved to Spain’s Costa del Sol, hoping the warmer weather would help with the pain from a long-term neck injury John sustained.
How many children did John Virgo have?
John Virgo had two children from earlier relationships.
He had a son, Gary, and a daughter, Brooke-Leah.
Gary came from his first marriage, while Brooke-Leah was born during his second.
