BBC snooker legend John Virgo opens up on gambling addiction and failed marriages
Virgo, 79, has been past of the BBC snooker coverage for more than 30 years.
John Virgo, the beloved voice of snooker, is once again behind the mic for the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible, and fans couldn't be happier.
Known for his trademark line, 'Where's the cue ball going?', Virgo has been part of the BBC's snooker coverage for more than 30 years. At 79, he had previously hinted that he would be stepping away from commentary duties alongside fellow legend Dennis Taylor at the end of the 2022–23 season. But to the delight of viewers, the BBC decided to keep both on board, Wales Online reported.
'I spoke to one of the producers and I said 'well you know it'll be my last year',' Virgo told the Snookered podcast. 'And he said 'no no no, we're not going to do that now. We're going to stay as we are for the foreseeable future', which was fantastic.'
Before his career behind the microphone, the Salford-born star was a formidable player on the professional circuit, winning four major titles including the 1979 UK Championship and the 1980 Bombay International. He spent seven seasons in the Top 16, with notable runner-up finishes at the 1980 Champion of Champions and the 1984 Australian Masters before retiring in 1994.
His commentary career had already begun by then. In fact, Virgo had started branching into television three years earlier as co-presenter of Big Break, a snooker-based game show with comedian Jim Davidson. Virgo played the role of referee as contestants paired with professional players in hopes of winning prizes.
The show became a massive success, running for 11 years and at one point drawing nearly 14 million viewers. It opened the door to new opportunities, including book deals, pantomime roles, and even a personal range of waistcoats.
But behind the scenes, Virgo was facing a serious battle. During the 1980s, he struggled with a gambling addiction that almost destroyed his life. As tournament winnings dwindled, his reliance on betting increased.
'At one point, I lost £10,000 on horses in a fortnight,' he told the Mirror . Over six years, he borrowed more than £200,000 against his mortgage to sustain the habit and maintain the appearance of success.
'It was a vicious circle,' he said. 'I was doing commentary for the BBC and had exhibition work but if you're not winning you are not earning as much. And when you're seen as a successful sportsman, people assume you're earning a good living.'
'There was pressure on me to have the newest car, a more expensive holiday. It was all about keeping up appearances. When the results weren't coming on the snooker table, I tried to supplement things by gambling on horses even more. I went through a period when I was addicted to gambling.
'It was a compulsion that I struggled to get to grips with. By 1990, it was in danger of ruining my life,' he added. 'I was borrowing against the mortgage just to keep up the pretence that I was successful. Looking back, I see it was crazy. I think a lot of players may have had issues with gambling.
'You are brought up in that environment – hustling in the snooker clubs to earn a few quid and, if there was no one to play, you'd go in the bookies.'
Eventually, he managed to stop. 'I stopped when I realised I was living beyond my means. I rarely bet these days. I did back the Grand National winner though.'
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Virgo's personal life has had its ups and downs too. He went through two failed marriages and has a son, Gary, and a daughter, Brook-Leah. But in 2009, he tied the knot with publishing executive Rosie Ries, a friend of a friend whom he had known for more than 20 years.
'A mate tried to set us up years ago but then his girlfriend said she wouldn't be interested in me,' he recalled. 'I was so frightened of a knock-back, I didn't ask her out for 22 years. By then I'd lived on my own for five years and I needed that time to re-centre myself.
'But eventually we went on a date. I used my wit, charm and repartee on her and, blow me down, two months later we got engaged.'
Describing their wedding day as the 'best day of my life', he added: 'It's been absolutely wonderful.'
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