Former snooker champion and broadcaster dies aged 79
Watch the latest from 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.
www.itv.comJohn Virgo, the former snooker player and longtime BBC commentator, has recently been reported as having died, with multiple outlets confirming the news in February 2026. The reporting notes he passed away at age 79, with tributes from colleagues and organizations in snooker.[2][4][5][8]
Key points:
- Confirmed death: World Snooker and major outlets announced Virgo’s death in early February 2026.[5][2]
- Career highlights: UK Championship winner (1979) and a prominent figure in snooker broadcasting, especially on BBC coverage and the Big Break era.[4][8][2]
- Location of passing: Reports indicate he died in Spain, where he spent retirement.[2][5]
- Reactions: Tributes from World Seniors Snooker and other snooker figures emphasize his impact on the sport and broadcasting.[5][2]
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of Virgo’s career milestones and a brief list of notable tributes from organizations and fellow players, with sources. Additionally, I can monitor for any formal obituaries or memorial services and share updates.