Legendary snooker commentator John Virgo has passed away at the age of 79. Virgo, known as a prominent figure in the sport, made his final appearance on the BBC during last month’s Masters tournament.

Originally from Salford, Virgo had a successful career as a player and clinched the UK Championship title in 1979. He passed away in Spain, where he was residing, on Wednesday.

The announcement of Virgo’s passing was confirmed by Jason Francis, the chairman of World Seniors Snooker, through a social media post expressing his deep sorrow. The message highlighted Virgo’s passion for entertaining others until the very end.

A statement from the BBC mourned the loss of the snooker legend, extending condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. The World Snooker Tour also expressed sadness over the passing of the iconic player and broadcaster.

After retiring from playing in 1994, Virgo transitioned into becoming a renowned commentator in the sport. His famous catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?” became synonymous with his persona. Virgo, known for his distinctive waistcoats and trick shots, reached the No.10 spot in the world rankings during his playing days.

Virgo was notably part of the popular BBC snooker program, Big Break, alongside comedian Jim Davidson. Reflecting on their successful collaboration, Virgo highlighted the unique chemistry between them despite their different backgrounds.

In 2020, Virgo and his wife Rosie Ries relocated to Spain in search of relief for his long-standing neck injury. In a 2017 interview with Mirror Sport, Virgo candidly discussed his struggles with gambling addiction. He is survived by his son, Gary, and daughter Brook-Leah from previous marriages.

As a tribute to his legacy, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering a wide range of live matches across various leagues for the upcoming season. Sky plans to broadcast over 200 live Premier League matches in the next season, increasing the viewing options for sports enthusiasts.