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Jim Davidson pays tribute to Big Break co-star John Virgo with heartbreaking post

Big Break presenter John Virgo has died aged 79, with comedian Jim Davidson paying tribute to his 'great mate' after hosting the popular BBC show together from 1991 to 2002

[Davidson and Virgo no longer speak regularly but remain friends]

Jim Davidson and John Virgo in a scene from the television programme Big Break(Image: BBC)

Jim Davidson has delivered a touching tribute to his 'great mate', John Virgo, who has passed away aged 79. The pair fronted the beloved BBC programme Big Break from 1991 to 2002.

On Wednesday, Virgo's family confirmed that the iconic commentator had died. The devastating news sparked an outpouring of tributes, with comedian and actor Davidson turning to Instagram to share his own.

"Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79," Davidson penned alongside a photograph of the duo. "What a character, what a talent.

[John Virgo during an exhibition match on day fifteen of the 2015 Betfred World Snooker Championship at Crucible Theater on May 2, 2015 in Sheffield, England. ]

John Virgo was considered a 'friend for life' by O'Sullivan(Image: Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)

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"From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed."

Virgo consistently spoke warmly about his partnership with Davidson. During a chat with the Express last year, the late 'voice of snooker' revealed: "I always remember, Jim had a bit of a reputation in the business for being hard work.

"A few people asked me, 'How are you getting on working with Jim Davidson?' I said, 'He doesn't bother me, I worked with [Alex] Higgins for 20 years'! I wasn't daunted by working with Jim.

"It's a funny thing about life. He's your crafty Conservative comedian and I'm your dour northern socialist. How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked."

World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis broke the devastating news of his passing. "Heartbreaking to share the news that we've lost the great 'JV' John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain," Francis wrote on X.

"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. We will never forget you bud. RIP JV."

Stephen Hendry also paid tribute: "Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters,he was the greatest to work with.

"Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. 'Wheres the cueball going'. Very sad news,absolutely gutted. RIP JV."

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