Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
Advertisement
He is perhaps best known for his post-gaming career, presenting the snooker television show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
After retiring from football in 1994, Virgo became a commentator for the BBC.
His last commentary for the BBC came 17 days ago, when Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins in the Masters final.
Virgo was a popular commentator, with his famous “where does the cue ball go?” slogan when a player was about to commit a foul.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby said: “So sad to hear the news of John Virgo’s passing! What a great guy and what a great character! He will be sorely missed! RIP JV.”
Advertisement
A statement from World Snooker said: “Everyone on the World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo.”
Virgo, who was born in Salford in 1946, had two children: Gary and Brooke-Leah.