Top News

Snooker legend John Virgo became best known in his commentary days for one question: "Where's the cue ball going". However the iconic player and broadcaster admitted it was just his own spin on the work of one of his predecessors. Virgo, a UK Championship winner and World Championship semi-finalist, died on Wednesday at the age of 79. He was a regular on BBC broadcasts during his career and was working in the commentary booth until the last, commentating during the Masters in January.

In April 2024, ahead of that year's World Championship, Virgo spoke to The Mirror about the catchphrase. "All the time," he said when asked if people repeat the cue ball question to him when he's out in public. "I've learned in my life, if you say something enough times, people are going to treat it as a catchphrase." However, he also admitted the catchphrase began not with him but with iconic commentator 'Whispering' Ted Lowe.

"I got it from Ted. Ted didn't say it as often as I do, but Ted would ask 'where's the cue ball going?' So I just raised it up a notch," Virgo added.

He also admitted his work on snooker game show Big Break, which he hosted with comedian Jim Davidson between 1991 and 2002, helped him with his more serious commentary jobs. "I learned a lot of my commentary moves from Big Break," he said.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

"You can call it a commentator's eye or whatever. But if I see the cue ball heading towards the pocket, I want people to be aware that it could go in-off.

"And if that adds a bit of excitement and gets people involved, then brilliant. People ask me, 'why do you keep saying it?' Because I want people to enjoy watching snooker. It's as simple as that."

Tributes began pouring in for Virgo following the news of his death. "Heartbreaking to share the news that we've lost the great 'JV' John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain," World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis wrote.

"Rosie and Brooke-Leah (Virgo's wife and daughter) would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, [son] 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 shared a message, which read: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."