BBC presenter Hazel Irvine known as snooker legend John Virgo “utterly irreplaceable” after his demise aged 79.
Hazel Irvine was on the verge of tears as she paid a heartfelt tribute (Picture: Getty)
Snooker presenter Hazel Irvine described John Virgo as “utterly irreplaceable” following his sudden demise. The snooker legend died in Spain on Wednesday aged 79, leading to a wave of testimonies from previous colleagues and friends.
Virgo loved practically 20 years as knowledgeable and emerged as a number one power through the late Nineteen Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties. His profession pinnacle arrived in 1979 when he captured the UK Championship title by defeating Terry Griffiths, additionally advancing to the World Snooker Championship semi-finals that very same 12 months. He subsequently moved into broadcasting and established himself as a beloved determine amongst followers as a result of his distinctive commentary method. Irvine collaborated with the BBC stalwart for greater than 20 years. She supplied a heartfelt tribute to her former colleague shortly after his demise.
“He had such an incredible voice,” she informed BBC Information. “He had such gravitas. But in addition he had the wit and the humour that might preserve us all on the sting of our seats. He was massively liked. And I feel he is utterly irreplaceable.”
Quite a few snooker fanatics are prone to share that sentiment, having developed a passion for Virgo’s commentary type via the years. In a area generally perceived as staid and missing in character, ‘JV’ constantly injected his personal model of aptitude into broadcasts.
The Salford-born legend was even offering commentary only a fortnight earlier than his passing. He was current to supervise the closing phases of Kyren Wilson’s 10-6 overcome John Higgins to say the Masters title in late January.
Even throughout that broadcast, the seasoned commentator delivered his attribute enthusiasm to the venue. His affect was evident, as at one second throughout her tribute, Irvine appeared to be holding again tears.
A supply knowledgeable The Mirror that Virgo died as a result of a ruptured aorta. He had confronted quite a few well being challenges beforehand, together with a persistent neck downside that’s believed to have prompted his everlasting transfer to Spain.
Virgo constructed his legacy even additional as a commentary icon (Picture: Getty)
“We had been simply days shy of our 16-year marriage ceremony anniversary,” wrote spouse Rosie in a heartfelt message about her late husband. “I am unable to think about life with out John, he was the love of my life and my greatest buddy.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan posted on X to honour a fellow legend: “Completed my match to get the information that JV has handed away. Like to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such an incredible mate who I liked spending time with, completely gutted.”
Fellow seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry commented: “Was solely a few weeks in the past I used to be with JV within the commentary field on the Masters, he was the best to work with. No one recreated the joy of a match like him. The place’s the cueball going? Very unhappy information, completely gutted.”
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Regardless of his appreciable expertise on the desk, it was Virgo’s skills as a commentator and presenter that actually established his enduring status. Shortly after hanging up his cue as knowledgeable participant, he co-hosted the BBC’s Massive Break alongside Jim Davidson.
This breakthrough position noticed Virgo develop into a beloved fixture on the programme for greater than a decade. Rivals paid tribute by observing a minute’s silence in honour of Virgo previous to this week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
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