John Virgo On Commentary Fails, Big Break & His Famous Catchphrase

[@thomascooper1144]

Whenever i hear the presenter say “and joining us in commentary John Virgo & Stephen Hendry” I can’t help but smile. These two are the best comms duo and it’s not even close imo, they just complement each other so well.

[@thesheetposter9277]

i prefer dennis over hendry tho. less harsh he is.

[@livingwithosteoarthritis.]

Like father and son

[@Andy-Bodhi]

I often site a little precum in my M&S Y's

[@tristandrew5903]

Yes although Ken and Dennis are also entertaining

[@dislecsyk991]

I'm honestly just glad whenever Dennis Taylor isn't in there.

[@Jamrollio]

JV is an absolute gem, proper legend, good to see him looking well 👏🏻

[@Bobbynutty]

A legend nah bro

[@Jamrollio]

@@Bobbynutty you're entitled to your opinion mate, I like many others believe he is

[@MrHare147]

He definitely is

[@thesoultwins72]

@Jamrollio...........Many years ago [in the mid-1970's] I was seconded to the Manchester office of the company I worked for. I was really excited by this and instantly settled in when I turned up for my first day at work. What made it even better was that my new boss who would be mentoring me, was a really nice bloke. Indeed, we immediately struck up a close friendship even though he was nearly 20 years older than me. But imagine how happy I was when I found out that like me, he was a massive snooker fan! From that moment on, practically every night after work we made our way down to the local snooker club to play a few frames. Then one day when I came to work my boss told me that there was a big match being played at Manchester YMCA and asked me if I wanted to go and see it with him. Of course, I said yes and couldn't wait until 5.30pm so we could leave the office to go and watch the snooker. When we got to the YMCA it was absolutely packed. I asked Ken [my boss] why there were so many people there and he explained that they had all come to see this young up-and-coming kid who everyone said was going to be next Alex Higgins. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and there was a loud round of applause as the two players made their way to the table. The older player was introduced as the local champion - but I didn't hear his name as the crowd were so noisy. Then this young thin long-haired kid stood up. I could understand why everyone thought he was the next Alex Higgins as he was very similar in appearance. This time, I heard the referee when he called out his name -Terry Fitzgerald. Terry nervously waved to the audience and returned to his 'corner' as the Champion won the toss and broke off. They then took turns to pot a few balls each before losing position and letting their opponent in. It was only after Terry Fitzgerald missed a relatively easy blue into the middle pocket that would have won him the match, that I noticed the large, curly-haired man that was sat by his side in the corner and appeared to be coaching him. It was John Virgo! John had just burst onto the snooker scene himself at that time - but everyone knew who he was from his appearance on 'Pot Black' and other major tournaments. It was such a surprise to see him at this amateur match supporting the young up-and-comer - Terry Fitzgerald. Sadly, Fitzgerald lost the match and I never heard of him again. Some of the more knowledgeable snooker fans in the audience that night said he didn't have the 'mental strength' as he 'bottled' it on the easy blue. But I am not sure. I have always wanted to meet John Virgo in person after that and ask him - whatever happened to Terry Fitzgerald? But I never did, What I do know is that like you say - John Virgo is a 'proper legend' of the game. He's a real class act and it's so good to see one of the 'nice guys' in this world make it for a change.

[@harrypell2603]

@@Bobbynutty Agreed 😆

[@kylebuddo]

Do another episode with JV! Could listen to his stories and his enthusiasm all day!

[@DM-kv9kj]

Yeah, I was hoping they'd have a very quick knock-around on a table. If JV is totally unable to get down on a shot though, he could just stand there and give Hendry some Big Break challenges and say "Pot as many balls as you can..."

[@samwh.9611]

John Virgo is a gem

[@eddiebear34]

My step dad met him and Jimmy White out together, drinking in a snooker club in my rough little Scottish Town, kilmarnock. They let my step dad and his pal sit drinking with them. He said John Virgo was on a round of drinks. 2 vodkas and coke for him, and 2 for jimmy. Jimmy went to the toilet and came back to no drinks. He asked Virgo if he got them, and he said "yes, but you took too long, so I drank em all... your round" lol

[@cwshtygriff13]

You missed the ‘R’ out of gem.

[@Mothertrucker896]

⁠@@cwshtygriff13a grem? 👀

[@cwshtygriff13]

@@Mothertrucker896 A Germ 🦠😂

[@WayneAnthonyHolmes-ez9mh]

I always get the 147th like. John is a legend!

[@TS-ex4ql]

Where is the cue ball goinnnnnnnnng!? Love your golden voice, John.

[@CaptainXDFalcon]

I was looking for this comment, thanks

[@sgttoxiiczz]

"Bit a side. Bit a side." Pretty sure it Shaun Murphy rattling the jaws with check side on the cue ball to pot the red in the middle.

[@Thomas-px2lh]

I am suspicious of anyone who says they don't like Virgo. The man is snooker and he always adds so much to every match he commentates.

[@scribble3478]

Can't stand him.

[@juchetony1910]

the "where's the white going" gets a bit annoying after the 23rd time.

[@Marcus__Trance]

​@@scribble3478I'm glad you're in the minority.

[@matthewfoley9522]

@@juchetony1910it irritates me when he says it when the white going in has no bearing on the match whatsoever

[@juchetony1910]

@@matthewfoley9522 now if he said it when Jimmy had cut a line of charlie, that would be different.

[@nickroberts990]

My favourite presenter. Long may he continue 🤞

[@MikeBarratt-lk3gt]

Presenter 🤔

[@nickroberts990]

@@MikeBarratt-lk3gt I don't know why I said that. He's a commentator, and a brilliant one.

[@CalzaSoze]

He’s like 80 😂

[@paulb1311]

Best commentator JV - the voice of snooker. We need a part 2 to this video.

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

SHAUN MURPHY

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

@Glasschin-ot9ei yes.. STEPHEN LEE

[@Stealthycarper-h1z]

Story tellers voice. Best commentator of them all.

[@MarkLane-r5n]

So correct, not many liking the JB in here, why?

[@Jimin.Stan4Ever]

I absolutely love it when Stephen Hendry and John Virgo are commentating and Ronnie o Sullivan is playing 👌

[@user-gl8qu7qf2q]

John's Impressions of fellow snooker players are superb

[@neil1killick]

Both of these gentleman understand their responsibility to keep snooker entertaining and dramatic. Legends the two of them.

[@OrdinProds]

Gonna say it again, bring back Big Break and get JV and Hendry presenting it! Would be amazing.

[@bellers01]

Not enough watch snooker never mind a snooker show sadly

[@Samtheman1889]

I’m sure I’ve heard andy Goldstein say he tried to bring it back to no avail

[@DM-kv9kj]

@@bellers01 Isn't that WHY it should be brought back...? You aren't going to get more people watching snooker unless you promote it through fun tv shows, opening far more good quality snooker clubs where new people can actually go and enjoy learning the game and so on...they are frankly very backwards in this corporate bs approach to popularizing things. Selling snooker to saudi oil billionaires and profiteering is not going to make snooker somehow more popular. Clubs are closing all over the country and there's nothing just fun on tv anymore related to snooker. I only got into snooker in the first place BECAUSE of watching Big Break as a kid and finding it so fun. TV execs now are utterly clueless management school blockheads.

[@liamjohnson7887]

Unfortunately, today's society are far more interested in shite like Britain's Got Talent.

[@RonniePickeringMate]

Big Break was amazing, but it wouldn’t work now. Just like Bullseye and Gladiators, you can’t bring back shows and expect them to work like they did. Things that were brilliant in the 90’s just end up looking cheesy and dated.

[@CornishMiner]

Stephen and JV are a superb commentary partnership. I'll never forget the drama and excitement they brought to the last few frames of the 2023 Selby - Brecel final.

[@Ed30675]

That was brilliant... Two natural,s together... Only wish my late father could have seen this....He would have loved to have watched Stevens KZbin channel.... Instead i have to watch alone.. Great work... This was one of the best...

[@mikemartin3877]

Real gentlemen enjoying their time together. A pleasure to watch

[@cahg3871]

Love John Virgo’s voice,it’s like watching and hearing history being made on every call.

[@mitchfishes]

The memories I have growing up watching snooker with my nan are priceless 👌 Thanks to you all 🙏

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Used to watch it with my nan as well! My earliest memory was the 1992 embassy world championship with her favourite Peter Ebdon, been watching it ever since!!

[@alexanderkutschera149]

You guys are a perfect example of “do what you love to do’” and success will follow. An inspiration for life not just snooker! Thanks again Stephen.

[@khsmith6242]

John is bang on about snooker being integral to Britain, so so true.

[@juchetony1910]

they ought to do a world tour of the top 16 players....and have the table set up on a plane. Matches take place en route to the next destination, streamed live.

[@AtulyaISMite]

His voice is like one of your favorite presenters on Radio. A voice you can never forget.

[@simongarribaldi9267]

Stephen. You are an icon of snooker. I have so much respect for you. You should keep playing. You may surprise yourself....and the world.

[@propjoe1060]

JV is the voice of snooker. Makes a few mistakes these days in commentary but its all part of the charm! Hope he's doing commentary for many years to come!

[@smileykot2834]

I love JV. I grew up watching his impressions in between Davis winning everything early. So it was an absolute delight having fun moments from John. Long may he continue!

[@DevilboyScooby]

He was on Countdown the other day and mum/gran didn't recognise him at first, but as soon as he spoke they knew the voice... iconic! 😂

[@juchetony1910]

I like the idea of a "snooker conundrum" as part of Stephen's tough table challenge. Each week there's a different set of 9 reds, as per Countdown, and you have to clear them up (don't bother with colours at the end) and make the highest break possible.

[@jamesg163]

So good to see JV looking so well. The best commentator for me, great balance when Stephen is alongside him too!

[@leemason666]

Great video Stephen. John Virgo is an English treasure and the voice of snooker. Used to love watching Big Break as a kid with him and Jim Davidson especially when he did the trick shot challenge. You need to get him down to the Snooker hall and do the snooker challenge series that you've been doing with the other Snooker players. Absolutely love the channel and look forward to every upload. 👏🏻

[@OliB150]

JV really will always be one of the iconic voices of snooker for me. I just it’s perfect, quite soothing to match the sport and then really ramps up when something happens. This video was such easy viewing that it was over before I knew it - I could’ve sat and listened to so much more.

[@kandfquattrone9186]

Aussie fan here. That was a great interview, thanks for putting it up.

[@SmokeandSteam]

The best commentary duo by a mile. Perfectly complement each other. Could listen to them forever. Great stuff!

[@firminshepherd4834]

So good! Probably the first time I saw snooker was on Big Break! Virgo is a proper legend. Great interview! Keep up the great work, Steven!

[@undango]

Great interview… shame it wasn’t longer. Love JV, and great job by Stephen.

[@andymckay446]

I must admit, I like Stephen's interview style, keeps the questions flowing and interesting with all his guests that I have watched over the last months on his channel

[@davidfairbairn8]

Stephen’s passion for the game is top drawer.

[@graemejack9040]

Agreed! He seems to have the ability to bring out the best in his guests during interviews!! Clearly all the players must genuinely respect and trust him!

[@andyc609]

Class act and a lovely bloke his accent and commentary so warming and interesting, he feels part of the family our JV

[@jasontuck-smith3896]

Recently I've thought Virgo wasn't in the best of health. So it's great to see him looking so healthy in this.

[@juchetony1910]

think he might have Parkinson's disease. Speaking of which, he'd make a good chat show host.

[@Mrphilharmonic]

I met him two years ago (at the Crucible) and was a bit concerned at how poorly he looked, but like you say, he looks SO much better now. Long may he keep going. His voice, his experience, his humor - just superb!!!

[@MarkLane-r5n]

@@Mrphilharmonicdid you meet Virgo how was he I’m really interested in the health of it go

[@MarkLane-r5n]

Virg

[@iansimpson27]

Great to have John Virgo on here. I remember thinking around 2008-2012 that it was obvious in JV's commentary that he had great respect for Stephen as a player and as a champion, and thinking shortly afterwards how fitting it was to have the pair of them working together in the commentary box and complementing each other well.

[@Neil_Gibson]

Fantastic interview! Such great commentaries and top-class snooker at this year’s World Championships; I feel sad that it’s over.

[@waynewhitebeam1144]

I could listen to JV's stories all day. Great bloke.

[@fountains4268]

As John said snooker is a big part of British culture. Growing up in the North East of Manchester the Snooker club was a massive part of why I didn't get involved with some borderline shit. There were things going on that might have taken my attention if my attention wasn't directed at playing snooker. I'm not particularly good or talented but I enjoyed the space that snooker occupied in my mind as a teen and a twenty-something. Watching these guys play, commentate and remanence is an absolute privilege. Virgo gets it. He's an absolute legend. Also, big up to Hendry, his YT channel is pure snooker gold.

[@johnslattery6194]

Love JV and Stephen always asks great questions 👍

[@BURGONANDSONS]

What I like about JV is he never forgets his background and roots, myself being from Salford and the same area as JV I was told stories about JV playing snooker many years ago in Small street Ordsall with Paul Medati who was Maltese descent like my grandad and we had teachers at Ordsall secondary school called Mr Milton and Mr Walsh who always mentioned John in assemblies etc - so to hear him mention Salford is fantastic - a true legend of the game and a fabulous commentator and I think you yourself compare although far more successful at the game - keep up the top work mate …absolute quality 👍🏼

[@normantaylor5957]

Awesome, these legends deserve all the success in the world. Jv and Steve Davis videos are extremely funny and entertaining respect to you all 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheAmericanDane]

John Virgo is a legend. Big Break was irresistible TV back in the 90s, happy memories

[@Lily_The_Pink972]

🎶 Snooker loopy nuts are we 🎶

[@farty81]

I have to say, snooker in the UK must be unique in cue sports. The way that the BBC, the promoters and, of course, the players have created this magnificent sporting culture that is so cherished by so many is really something special. Even casual viewers know the characters, know the stories. What wonderful thrilling drama it has brought us over the years. We are very privileged indeed to have watched so many incredible moments. And John's played a big part in that.

[@NickDusting]

Two legends. 'Nuff said.

[@starman9921]

Fantastic Stephen in a short space of time you have become the best snooker KZbin channel not only that one of the best channels on KZbin

[@end-game2030]

Wheres the cue ball going!!!!!!!!

[@martinlaird9712]

Up your bum! He's going over the top with the cue ball going stuff

[@end-game2030]

@@martinlaird9712 You'll miss when he's gone.

[@martinlaird9712]

@end-game2030 I love the guy but he isn't half milking the cue ball 😆

[@thesolarfutureenthusiast1102]

@@end-game2030 I WON'T. I still miss Ted, he was the GOAT.

[@end-game2030]

@@thesolarfutureenthusiast1102 ohhhh Where's the Cue Ball going!!!

[@Mark-nc7yq]

The absolute best commentator bar none . Bless him , his partnership with Stephen is now the best pairing after old Willie passed.

[@BelfastManUtdTherapy]

Great channel Stephen. Used to go to mass just to pray you'd lose, but god didnt listen to me. Now I pray you win!! Love ya man, favourite channel. Keep up the good work!!

[@jake5134]

I've been waiting for this!! John is a legend, one of the most iconic voices in Sports commentary, not just snooker Legend 👏

[@joshbro99k96]

Love him. Speaking of hot mic, I remember one Sunday afternoon in the early/mid 90s and (I think) it was JV and Dennis Taylor commentating. DT said something like, "why didn't he just take a red" and JV responded "Cos the f**king pink was in the way!". Went quiet on the mic for a few minutes and was never mentioned again.

[@jonnygti]

No way would they say that live on air 😮

[@smileykot2834]

Yes I remember this also. It was funny. I don't recall which tournament it was, but yes, he did say it.

[@juchetony1910]

speaking of DT, I remember the time they were bored, and he was leaning back in his chair, and fell over. Huge thump, live on air, and the players looked up from the table...another one was Steve Davis vs Alan McManus (I think) after midnight, when there were about 8 people left watching, and a bloke in the front row started snoring. Davis pissed himself laughing, and the ref poked the guy and asked him whether he'd be better off home in bed.

[@UKBadFella]

So glad you got john on. The best of all time

[@THIRV]

That was a great watch. Good health to you both, legends of the sport, good guys. Thanks!

[@anoopseera]

We need a much longer chat next time please. Could listen to John and Stephen sharing stories for hours ❤

[@moulinyan]

remember him from big break as a kid and always enjoyed listening to him since. you can tell his mind is on the slide now listening to him commentate but hope we have him for another 20 years.

[@Lastpost9]

Absolutely love JV, could listen to him for hours and not get bored. ❤

[@stuartchapman7934]

This is Brilliant, Two Absolute Snooker Legends. Important too because JV probably has so many great memories to share, he's a real character and played professionally in his prime during an Amazing Era of Snooker amongst such enigmatic talents as Jimmy White and Alex Higgins . . . I'm sure that JV has so many stories and recollections from that Golden Era of Snooker that you could listen to him recounting them all day and not be bored!

[@leejames8595]

I work with John quite a lot and he’s genuinely a lovely guy. We’ve had many a good laugh after shows and once he gets the giggles he’s done for 😂

[@SportsFan0027]

These 2 are my fav commentary pairing. JV for his entertainment & frankness and Hendry for calling it like it is with his high standards in mind. Such a good combo

[@cdg3818]

Absolutely brilliant, thanks for making this one with JV.

[@HellsSamurai6]

The editing of this video is very clean and polished! Very good.

[@pauldavid22212]

It ain’t snooker without John painting pictures with his insight and enthusiasm for the game. Total legend.

[@DaveT383]

Totally loved this interview. Thanks to both of you. TBH, I watched as many of the matches in this year's WSC as I could, and frankly, I was surprised to see how many comments were exactly in line with my perspective; this whole tournament was fraught with B, even C class play. The best match I saw was Joe O'Connor's first match, and even that needed some acceptance of flaws. Anyway, I am well pleased for Kyren, his family and his team. Delighted for him. It was such a pleasure to see him get this win and I hope he becomes a multiple World Champion. He is a decent, kind, classy man. Maybe it wasn't always pretty, but it was done. Congratulations, Kyren!

[@sonnybarthl3y]

He's my favourite. JV brings so much excitement in his delivery

[@lilchris26]

Another good video, I remember watching John do his impressions so funny. Nice chat thanks for this.

[@harrypell2603]

This was a great little vid good to see old JV having an interesting chat with Stephan and it was also interesting to behind scenes a little bit too and Rob doing his bit 😊👍

[@tahseenashfaq]

What a lovely guy and Stephen too, and long may he continue

[@nathanjamescars]

This man is a national treasure!

[@dafyddsmith2193]

These two are absolutely brilliant commentary/watching snooker, wouldn't be same without them 😀

[@neileyre6019]

I could have watched this for hours and hours! What an absolutely tremendous channel Stephen, keep it up mate. As far as the Crucible goes, I agree with you two..I’m all for staying there. The atmosphere in that small close space is unique. I can only give the analogy of going to a party where it’s in one room and another party where it’s spread out over two or three rooms. The best one is where it’s everybody in one room. A larger theatre would lose that close intimate feeling. …that said unfortunately money usually wins.

[@Mrphilharmonic]

Hendry’s interview asks some GREAT questions! He’s really improved his interview technique. There is a certain chemistry between these two. I love to hear them both in the commentary box.

[@samanglais]

He is brilliant. In fact I look forward to the World Championship to hear him talk. It was disappointing when he was out the country for it that one year. I hope he goes on forever!

[@chris6559]

JV is a legend, love his old school commentary..

[@simonhodges9547]

Absolute legend!

[@jumbo8996]

He’s one of sport’s greatest commentators. Brilliant skill

[@peterneedham8001]

Definitely get him on again Stephen!

[@garethparr9482]

Brilliant. Absolute legend j v

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Lovely couple of legends

[@christopherhughes497]

Used to see JV in my local the Parkside in Prestwich from time to time. Absolute legend

[@shanemorton2921]

What a treat this was!

[@Theo-ul8qm]

Loved this one! It's interesting how John brought up they way he thought he couldn't commentate because of his accent. I'll be honest, as a foreigner, when my English wasn't great, I did struggle to understand any commentator, on any sport, who had a strong accent. In time, of course, I grew to understand everything, but it is difficult for some people for sure. Now, though, the accent is part of the charm 😅

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Just love JV as a commentator, probably best there is and his... "where's the cue ball going?!" and "there's always a gap" are legendary sayings, he really adds the drama to any match.

[@richard3542]

JV you are a national treasure and mostly because you bring fun and happiness to snooker 🙏❤

[@joesretrostuff]

I love this channel. Can't wait for the next chat with JV if they do one, want to know what he thought working with Jim Davidson, I understood they didn't get on

[@christopher_ecclestone]

This was a great trailer. I can't wait for the full length JV interview

[@wobla9699]

The only thing I must complain about is, this interview just wasnt long enough😅 I could.watch you two chat all day long. Excellent stuff 👏

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Love Steve Hendry and legend of John Virgo - really enjoyed the Beeb's Big Break with him and Jim

[@jordanwillrog]

Thanks Stephen , this was way more entertaining than tonight’s final . You saved the day champ

[@147snookered04]

Snooker gold, the memories,history, all the feelings that come flooding back into our minds snooker can never be aloud to leave Sheffield. The is not about money it's heritage. it's all of our memories ❤ thank you stephen for keeping this alive

[@juchetony1910]

reminds me of when Shane Warne RIP was banging on about scrapping the Tasmania and Adelaide Test matches, because the MCG holds more spectators. I was thinking "mate, you just don't get it".

[@billysuter]

He has a great voice, legend

[@Correction294]

Absolute legend of snooker.

[@Grumszy]

Remember late 70s having a weeks snooker tuition on a family holiday with the Great Ray Reardon and John Virgo both were brilliant always laughing and joking.

[@savinggracechurch4112]

My fav commentator of all time! I especially love John's dialogue on Ronnie's 147's

[@michaelcrush9004]

You need to do a longer video with John Virgo he such a legend and the best commentator with such lines as where the cue ball going

[@eyujunior9991]

I want to hear all the stories JV has to say he is just so nice to listen

[@stevewilson8467]

One of my favourite JV commentary moments was "We didn't have slow motion in our day, we just had Terry Griffiths.."

[@wolfiemcwolf6617]

😂

[@81Fitzerz]

Two legends

[@simbasimba2029]

Listen up BBC, we love JV so let him commentate for as long as he wants to continue! Get JV on again and have a frame together.

[@WayneAnthonyHolmes-ez9mh]

The two best in the business. John Virgo & the goat Stephen Hendry. The dream team for BBC 🐐🐐

[@Pa1zan-my4rt]

The failed Ponce of Saudi Arabia who got beat 4-1 by Ronnie like a dog & never invited to Eurosport tried so hard to win his second world title but failed. Bye bye Juddd Better luck next year to win a 2nd world title

[@Pa1zan-my4rt]

Only one real GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐

[@thepunkparadox]

I simply love this man.