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Big Break stars now from Yewtree probe and 60m divorce to sad death

Following the sad news of John Virgo's death, the Mirror takes a look at what came next for the snooker legend and his costar and friend Jim Davidson after they put their cues down

[British snooker player John Virgo in action during the 1987 Embassy World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, 18th April 1987. He was knocked out in the first round. (Photo by Trevor Jones/Getty Images)]

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Snooker legend John Virgo has died at the age of 79(Image: Getty Images)

Big Break was prime time 90s TV viewing, but away from the show the stars endured mixed fortunes.

Airing from 1991 to 2002, Big Break saw plucky contestants paired with professional snooker players in a recipe that proved to be pure telly magic. Many were particularly enamoured by the perhaps unlikely presenting duo of John Virgo - who has died aged 79 - and Jim Davidson.

As John himself once put it in an interview with the Daily Express: "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. Although Jim didn't know much about snooker, what a funny man and a very generous man to work with. We really got on well. Besides, when you're in those positions, the most important thing is that the show works."

While John will undoubtedly be remembered for his formidable prowess at a snooker table, his work on Big Break, which he had hoped would make a comeback in his final years, endeared him to those who had never picked up a cue. Here, the Mirror takes a look at John and Jim's mixed fortunes in the years after the show...

Jim Davidson

[ Jim Davidson wins, Dappy is runner-up 'Celebrity Big Brother' TV show, Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, Britain - 29 Jan 2014]

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Comedian Jim Davidson has sparked controversy over the years(Image: REX)

Before fronting Big Break, controversial Jim found fame on screen as a comedian, with TV Times dubbing him "the funniest man on television" for his own programme, The Jim Davidson Show, which aired from 1979 to 1982. The comic, 72, has been married five times and is now engaged to fiance Natasha, 49. "It's how much money I've spent over the years," the celebrity revealed to Piers Morgan regarding the expense of multiple divorces. "I don't know, I'm not sure, getting on to 50, 60 million must have passed through my hands."

The former Generation Game presenter was detained in 2013 as part of Operation Yewtree, the police probe established following the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal. He was among 12 famous figures investigated and faced no further action regarding the claims made. "It didn't leave me undamaged," Jim revealed, describing that chapter as the "darkest" period of his existence. "It was pretty traumatic, and it has affected me. I now won't have a conversation with a woman in a room without someone else being there."

Twelve months after his arrest, Jim triumphed on Celebrity Big Brother. During the show, he struck up an unexpected bond with NDubz star Dappy, who finished as runner-up, and who later attended court to show his support when Jim stood trial for assault in 2014. The comedian has faced backlash for delivering inappropriate and offensive material during his stand-up performances throughout the years. In 2020, he established Jim Davidson TV, where he offers his perspective on current affairs.

Leading the tributes to John today, Jim shared: "Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent. 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."

John Virgo

[British snooker player John Virgo in action during the 1983 Embassy World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, 16th April 1983. He was knocked out in the first round. (Photo by Adrian Murrell/Getty Images) ]

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John previously expressed hope a Big Break comeback(Image: Adrian Murrell, Getty Images)

John, whose death is today being mourned by snooker fans, became renowned for his catchphrase, "Where's the cue ball going?" whenever he spotted it rolling towards a pocket for a potential foul. Offering an explanation during a 2024 interview with the Mirror, John revealed: "People ask me: 'Why do you keep saying it?' Because I want people to enjoy watching snooker. It's as simple as that."

Before becoming a commentator, John competed professionally as a snooker player, with his strongest performance at the Crucible - home to the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield annually - seeing him reach the semi-finals in 1979. That same year, he claimed the UK Championship crown, his sole Triple Crown triumph.

The BBC sparked fury when they announced plans to drop the beloved broadcaster and his co-commentator, Dennis Taylor, from World Championships coverage at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. The broadcaster later U-turned on the decision, with John reflecting: "I would like to think I've got a few years left in me yet, but you never know. They did tell us it was going to be our last year, and there was an unbelievable response on social media to say that would be a bad thing, and they changed their mind."

In his final years, John maintained strong bonds within snooker's tight-knit community alongside his mate Dennis and former players Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and others. He previously expressed hope for Big Break's comeback, acknowledging that the programme rescued him financially after his home was repossessed when his playing career earnings disappeared.

"It was life-changing," he said. "We replaced Question of Sport in their slot, and the viewing figures were better than they had been from the first day. We were up against Blind Date, and we were getting as many viewers. It was incredible."

In 2020, John and his wife Rosie relocated to the Costa del Sol, in the hope that the Spanish sunshine would help ease the pain the snooker champ endured from a long-term neck injury. The Salford-born legend leaves behind two children and his wife Rosie. World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis confirmed the news by posting on social media platform X: "Heartbreaking to share the news that we've lost the great 'JV' John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain. Rosie (his wife) 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."

The World Snooker Tour also said: "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."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads

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