The One Show hosts announced some sad news on Wednesday’s instalment (February 4) of the BBC show
Alex Jones and JB Gill hosted The One Show(Image: BBC screengrab)
Alex Jones and JB Gill delivered a touching tribute to John Virgo on The One Show.
The beloved snooker icon and BBC commentator has died at the age of 79, reports Wales Online.
Sharing the sad news at the close of Wednesday’s edition of the BBC programme (February 4), TV star JB announced: “Before we go we just wanted to take a moment to mention today’s news about the death of former UK snooker champion John Virgo at the age of 79.”
“Many of us also fondly remember him from his commentating work and his TV programmes like Big Break so of course our thoughts are with his family and his friends,” continued the star.
“Of course,” his co-host Alex Jones acknowledged as she sat beside him on the sofa.
Whilst the presenters paid tribute, a photograph of the late snooker legend appeared on screen.
It was revealed earlier in the day that Virgo had died, prompting a wave of sorrow from his fans and the snooker community.
A statement on the World Snooker Instagram account read: “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.”
It was shared on the platform alongside a black and white photograph of Virgo with the dates 1946 to 2026.
Fans have been offering tributes on social media following the announcement.
“Aww he was great RIP,” one person wrote on X, which was formerly Twitter.
“To me John Virgo was like Eddie Butler was to rugby commentary, he was the voice of snooker,” remarked another person. Others hailed him as a “legend”.
One fan of the late snooker ace wrote on the platform: “I grew up watching the snooker decades ago and watching John Virgo was always brilliant. His skill as a player was immense but what a great character RIP.”
“Mr Virgo you were very much loved,” they added in the moving post.
The One Show airs from 7pm on BBC One on weekdays