AN emotional Shaun Murphy has led tributes from the snooker world for John Virgo.
The iconic cuesman’s passing at 79 was confirmed on social media by World Seniors Snooker.
Chairman Jason Francis posted a touching message to the man known as “JV”.
He wrote: “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.
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“An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.”
World no7 Shaun Murphy has begun to follow in Virgo’s footsteps as he makes the switch from the baize to the commentary box.
And Murphy, 43, shared a short yet emotional statement on Instagram as he recalled when they first met.
He wrote: “I first met John in 1994, filming Junior Big Break. He then went on to become a friend and colleague.
“I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box.
“The voice of snooker will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace John Virgo.”
Virgo starred on the felt between 1976 and 1995 in which he won multiple titles.
He reached a peak ranking of 10th and was renowned for his trick shots.
He was also known for his voice on snooker commentary for the BBC and his iconic phrase “Where’s the cue ball going?”.
English snooker player Mark Selby MBE has also led tributes as he reacted to the news on social media.
The four-time world champion hailed Virgo for his character and insisted he will be missed.
He posted: “So so sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo!
“Such a great guy and a huge character!! He Will be greatly missed! RIP JV.”
The World Snooker Tour have also issued a tribute to Virgo on social media.
A statement 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”
Former professional Darren Morgan played Virgo at the 1989 World Championship.
He wrote: “Absolutely gutted to wake up today to the very sad news that JV John Virgo has sadly passed away at his family home inSpain.
“I have known John for the past 40 years firstly as a player then all the shows I did with him on Big Break and then finally sharing the commentary booth with him for as long as I can remember.
“I am absolutely gutted with his passing such a lovely, intelligent and very funny man, and one hell of a commentator.
“He is going to be missed by so many, condolences to all Johns friends and family. RIP JV.”
Snooker fans have flocked to social media to pay their own tributes to the 1979 UK Championship winner.
One posted: “Snooker feels like it’s gone back to it’s black and white days on TV with the passing of John Virgo. Gutted to hear the news.”
A second wrote: “Deeply, deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Virgo: the voice of a lifetime watching snooker.”
A third commented: “Gutted about John Virgo. Not a massive snooker fan. But what a personality and character. Used to love Big Break on a Saturday night and his humour and warmth were a massive part of that.”
A fourth said: “How incredibly sad. RIP the great John Virgo. A lovely man and incredible story teller. G’Night JV.”
Another added: “Snooker won’t be the same without John Virgo shouting: ‘Where’s the cue ball going?!’
“He was also brilliant on Big Break, I loved that as a kid.”