Comedian Jim Davidson opens up on ‘life-changing’ moment in heartfelt tribute to snooker legend
Comedian Jim Davidson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend, snooker legend and broadcasting legend John Virgo after his death this morning.
Mr Virgo was an integral part of the snooker world for over five decades, first as a professional player and later as one of the sport’s most recognisable voices.
He won the UK Championships in 1979, later becoming best-known for his work as a broadcaster.
Along with a national outpouring of tributes, friend and presenter of Big Break Mr Davidson joined GB News this morning to give his own.
Speaking to hosts Miriam Cates and Andrew Pierce, Mr Davidson simply said: “He was a great bloke.
“Ironically, I’m down at Ustream Studios today with the editors, put in a package together for John, who was going to come on my fifth year anniversary TV special.
“Of course, now, the editing is going to turn round into a completely different thing. I spoke to him last week and he was looking forward to coming along.
“He was a great bloke. He is a great bloke, wherever he is now. I heard this morning I got a call from his beautiful daughter, Brooke-Leah, who told me the bad news.
The broadcasting icon opened up about the call which John Virgo said ‘changed his life’
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“Of course, she’s devastated and in shock and went into some detail. But the bottom line is he was a great guy. I got on brilliantly with him. Everybody loved him.”
Mr Davidson explained the legend’s popularity stemmed from his “tongue-in-cheek” approach to life and admired the way he never forces his opinions on anyone else.
“I mean, he hated Margaret Thatcher and he knew that I love Margaret Thatcher. So you can imagine the rows we used to have – they were fantastic, but they were always tongue in cheek.
“And he never forced himself or his opinions on anybody. He was just a nice guy. He was vulnerable. He liked to drink. He liked to bet. He loved his family.”
The pair were life-long friends
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Mr Davidson further reflected on a story Mr Virgo had once shared with him, when the snooker player was facing hardship while his marriage was struggling.
He told his friend he was “gambling and drinking too much” until the comedian called him up to joing a “programme called Big Break”.
“And that’s it,” Mr Davidson told the People’s Channel. “He never forgot that. And we were mates until this morning at 5am.”
The comedian’s emotional tribute followed a statement from promotions company Snooker Legends, run by Jason Francis, which announced the tragic news.
It reads: “Heartbreaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.
“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren. JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone.
“Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.
“Hard to take this one…one great person who touched so many lives and loved the game.”
