Express-News

Latest UK and World News, Sport and Comment

John Virgo’s well being cause for transferring out from UK earlier than dying aged 79

John Virgo moved away from the UK six years earlier than his dying.

The information of John Virgo’s dying was confirmed on Wednesday morning (Picture: Getty)

John Virgo and his spouse moved out of the UK for an excellent cause six years earlier than his dying. It was confirmed on Wednesday that the snooker legend and much-loved commentator had died on the age of 79. Tributes have been flooding in on social media, with Virgo having left a legacy as one of many sport’s hottest figures.

He solid a profitable commentary profession with the BBC after retiring from snooker in 1994. Throughout his enjoying days, he gained 4 skilled titles together with the UK Championship, Bombay Worldwide and Skilled Snooker League. He additionally reached the semi-finals of the World Championship and British Open and was runner-up on the Champion of Champions in 1980.

Virgo was born in Salford and spent the overwhelming majority of his life within the UK, though his declining well being prompted him to maneuver to Spain along with his spouse in 2020.

They relocated to the Costa del Sol, hoping the hotter climate would assist relieve Virgo’s fixed ache from a long-term neck damage.

He labored proper up till his dying and was within the commentary sales space for the Masters remaining only some weeks in the past. In a press release, the BBC paid tribute to Virgo as they acknowledged the affect he had made on the airwaves.

They stated: “Some unhappy information to deliver you. Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died aged 79. Our ideas are along with his household, pals and colleagues.”

The information of Virgo’s dying was initially introduced by Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, who shared an emotional message by way of his Snooker Legends account on X (previously Twitter).

Virgo moved out of the UK six years earlier than his dying on the age of 79 (Picture: Getty)

He wrote: “Heartbreaking to share the information that we have misplaced the nice ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he handed away in Spain. Rosie and Brooke-Leah would love everybody to know. Our hearts exit to them each, Gary and the grandchildren.

“JV was doing what he cherished to do proper up till the tip, entertaining everybody. Such an necessary individual in my life however in our sport usually.

“An amazingly loyal good friend to me, and somebody you felt was sat with you on the match when he was commentating on TV.

Event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail

We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage

“Arduous to take this one… one nice one that touched so many lives and cherished the sport. We are going to always remember you bud. RIP JV.”

In a press release, the World Snooker Tour added: “Everybody at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to study of the passing of legendary snooker participant and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our ideas are along with his household and family members. Relaxation in peace, JV.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *