A MEMORIAL service for John Virgo will be held in Sheffield on Thursday April 16 – two days before the start of the World Championship.
fans across the country are encouraged to attend Sheffield Cathedral to pay their respects to the former player and popular BBC commentator.
A memorial service will be held in honour of John Virgo ahead of the World ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Virgo – known as JV – on February 4.
His funeral will be held on Saturday but many top players are unable to attend due to playing commitments.
Ken Doherty, the 1997 snooker world champion, and respected broadcaster and MC Rob Walker wanted to arrange an event where everyone could celebrate his life.
The ceremony will take place ahead of the second staging of the Champions’ Dinner that same evening – where all past and present world champions meet for a Masters golf-style three–course meal.
Proceedings will begin at 1pm and lovers of the baize are encouraged to send in via email their favourite Virgo stories and memories.
The best one will then be read out to the congregation ahead of the beginning of the sport’s flagship tournament.
The world’s top cueists will be in the city as they prepare for the 2026 Championship.
Walker said: “This is an open invitation for anyone who wishes to pay respects to a great man, to come and join the snooker community at Sheffield Cathedral at 1pm on Thursday April 16 for a celebration of John Virgo’s life.”
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commentated on the Masters final last month at the Ally Pally – which was won by Kyren Wilson – and was scheduled to be at the Crucible on behalf of the BBC.
It will feel odd for viewers and colleagues not to have him in South Yorkshire for snooker’s annual 17-day tournament, which is between April 18 and May 4.
He is survived by his second wife Rosie, their two children Brook Leah and Gary and two granddaughters.
Virgo – winner of the 1979 UK Championship during a long snooker career – was an outstanding broadcaster and commentator over many decades.
His hushed tones made him a very popular man for the big snooker matches and was something the fans loved to hear.
Millions of people watched his Big Break show, which he co-hosted with comedian Jim Davidson, in the 1990s.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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