Family and close acquaintances of the late legendary John Virgo will come together today at Sheffield Cathedral for a commemorative service. The event holds sentimental significance for his longtime friend and fellow commentator, Dennis Taylor, who is set to cover the World Snooker Championships starting this weekend at the Sheffield Crucible.
For Dennis, 77, the upcoming tournament will be filled with mixed emotions as he reflects on the absence of John, who tragically passed away from a ruptured aorta on February 4 at the age of 79. Dennis expressed his sentiments, stating, “Everyone will feel the void of his commentary as the snooker action kicks off this weekend. His iconic phrases like ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ will be notably absent. It won’t be the same without him.”
Apart from the personal loss, Dennis, who is returning for his 26th year of commentary duty for the BBC, will deeply miss John as a professional colleague. Recalling fond memories, Dennis highlighted a pivotal moment shared in the commentary box, reminiscing about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s remarkable 147 maximum break in 1997 as one of the sport’s defining moments.
During his tenure from 1991 to 2002, John, who resided in Mijas Costa, Spain with his wife Rosie Ries before his passing, co-hosted the BBC1 gameshow Big Break alongside Jim Davidson. Dennis fondly remembers John’s playful antics on the show, emphasizing his humor and infectious personality that captivated audiences.
Reflecting on the impact of John’s untimely demise, Dennis emphasized the need for vibrant and engaging commentators to invigorate the sport. He noted the shift in commentary style among newer commentators and stressed the importance of maintaining a level of excitement and entertainment for viewers.
John’s sudden death, just days after a tour with Dennis and fellow snooker luminary Steve Davis, left a profound void in the snooker community. Dennis vividly recalled the shock of receiving the tragic news and the memorable moments shared with John leading up to his passing.
The memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral, organized by snooker greats Ken Doherty and Rob Walker, is expected to draw a large crowd to honor John’s legacy. Dennis anticipates a heartfelt gathering to pay tribute to John’s life and contributions to the sport.
As Dennis prepares to navigate the upcoming snooker events without his dear friend, he fondly reminisces about their shared passion for golf and the camaraderie they enjoyed off the commentary box. Their enduring friendship and shared experiences as entertainers in the sport remain cherished memories for Dennis.
The absence of John’s vibrant presence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming snooker coverage. Dennis acknowledged the unique bond they shared and the invaluable contributions John made to the sport and entertainment industry. In his closing remarks, Dennis bid a heartfelt farewell to John, expressing his deep sense of loss and gratitude for the cherished moments they shared.
The Halo World Snooker Championship coverage will commence on BBC2 on Saturday at 10 am, followed by extended coverage on BBC1 from 2 pm.