Ali Carter, Steve Davis and Joe Johnson reveal John Virgo's true character after sudden death of 'second to none' snooker icon: 'Great memories'
Published 05/02/2026 at 10:13 GMT
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Ali Carter and Steve Davis have both recalled times when John Virgo would step away from the commentary box to offer them key advice during their respective careers at the summit of the sport. Speaking at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, two-time Crucible finalist Carter reflected upon Virgo's life and times following the sad death of the celebrated former UK champion on Wednesday.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Ali Carter has revealed how John Virgo would give him a boost during matches by seeking him out to pass on key advice.
The two-time Crucible finalist was speaking to reporters after observing a minute's silence for the 1979 UK champion at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong alongside Zhao Xintong, Shaun Murphy and John Higgins.
The world No. 20 said he was stunned by the news of Virgo's death at the age of 79 in the early hours of Wednesday at his home in Spain.
"It flashed up on my phone, and it shook me to the core that poor John has passed," Carter said after defeating Mark Allen 5-4 in the first round at the Kai Tak Arena.
"This is my 30th season as a pro, and I've always known him to be in and around the tournaments.
"Every tournament for 30 years. He was by far the best commentator. It's really, really sad, and it shook me to the core. It really did.
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"It just makes you realise how precious life is. We're all chasing different things, but I think you have to remember that we're only here for a short while and try to enjoy every day.
"He commentated on my 147 [at the 2008 World Championship] when they were quite a rare bird then.
"I've got great memories of John. It's almost a generation now that has passed: Terry Griffiths, Ray Reardon, John Virgo and Willie Thorne.
"The list goes on and on. Rest in peace, JV."
Carter was on the final episode of the popular BBC quiz show Big Break in October 2002, with Virgo supporting comedian Jim Davidson on a programme that lasted for 11 years.
"They were doing the minute's silence out there and said John Virgo won the UK Championship in 1979," said Carter.
"I was thinking: that's when I was born. I can remember being on Big Break, being scared to open my mouth and Jim Davidson absolutely tearing me apart.
"I went into my shell, got on the table and potted about four reds. But what a great team they were on Big Break.
"And really to a certain extent, put snooker on the map today."
Carter said Virgo would always be on hand to offer him advice during matches.
"His knowledge was second to none. I've been guilty, as we all know, of getting frustrated," he said.
"He'd always come and talk to me after a match or in the interval. And give me some words of advice. He knew the game inside out.
"He loved the game, was part of the snooker family, the royal family of snooker if you know what I mean.
"It's a very sad day for snooker."
Six-time world champion Steve Davis shared fellow Essex professional Carter's sentiment, revealing how Virgo consoled him following his 18-17 defeat to Dennis Taylor in the 1985 'Black-ball' final at the Crucible, watched by a record TV audience on BBC2 of 18.5 million.
"We’re all a bit upset. He had such a warm heart," said the six-time world champion.
"One personal memory was when I lost to Dennis Taylor in the final of 1985. It was one of the most exciting moments in the game's history.
"When I went back to the dressing room, I was in floods of tears. And the one person who knocked on the door and came in was John. Not that he wanted me to win or lose, but he knew what it meant.
"He was moved by what had happened. It’s a sad, sad day for snooker.
"One of our most loved friends has passed, and our hearts are broken."
1986 world champion and TNT Sports commentator Joe Johnson will recall Virgo with great fondness.
"We had some good times together," said Johnson, who defeated Davis 18-12 as a 150-1 outsider at the Crucible.
"He was a commentator for the BBC, and I was for Eurosport. We were commentators together for some seniors matches.
"I’d describe him as a true gentleman of the game. He was a very warm and funny person.
"He had a knowledge of the game that was second to none. He was old school and knew all about snooker’s intricacies."
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