Snooker great John Virgo has died at the age of 79, World Snooker Tour announced today.

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.

He was an established part of the BBC‘s snooker coverage as a commentator, famous for his catchphrase of ‘Where’s the cue ball going?’.

Virgo was also well known for his role on the 1990s snooker show Big Break and was a regular on the exhibition circuit with his vast array of trick shots.

Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, confirmed the news of Virgo’s death via his Snooker Legends account on X today.

He wrote: ‘Heartbreaking 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.’

A WST statement said: ‘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.’

Former player and broadcaster John Virgo has died at the age of 79. He is pictured in 2007

John Virgo with his wife Rosie at DJ Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart’s funeral in Bournemouth in 2016

John Virgo won the UK Championship in 1979. He is pictured in 1994

Big Break with Jim Davidson and John Virgo on the BBC

John Virgo playing in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield in 1990

Big Break with Jim Davidson and John Virgo on the BBC