John Virgo On Commentary Fails, Big Break & His Famous Catchphrase
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- Опубликовано: 5 май 2024
- We've had a lot of requests for this one!
The iconic voice of snooker, John Virgo joins Stephen for a sit down chat in the Crucible Theatre on the day of the 2024 World Championship. They chat about John's famous commentary mishap, Big Break, snooker potentially moving from the Crucible and of course his legendary catchphrase. We hope you enjoy this one, let us know in the comments if you'd like a part two.
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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.
i prefer dennis over hendry tho. less harsh he is.
Like father and son
I often site a little precum in my M&S Y's
Yes although Ken and Dennis are also entertaining
I'm honestly just glad whenever Dennis Taylor isn't in there.
JV is an absolute gem, proper legend, good to see him looking well 👏🏻
A legend nah bro
@@Bobbynutty you're entitled to your opinion mate, I like many others believe he is
He definitely is
@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.
@@Bobbynutty Agreed 😆
John Virgo is a gem
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
You missed the ‘R’ out of gem.
@@cwshtygriff13a grem? 👀
@@Mothertrucker896 A Germ 🦠😂
I always get the 147th like. John is a legend!
Do another episode with JV! Could listen to his stories and his enthusiasm all day!
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..."
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.
Can't stand him.
the "where's the white going" gets a bit annoying after the 23rd time.
@@scribble3478I'm glad you're in the minority.
@@juchetony1910it irritates me when he says it when the white going in has no bearing on the match whatsoever
@@matthewfoley9522 now if he said it when Jimmy had cut a line of charlie, that would be different.
Where is the cue ball goinnnnnnnnng!?
Love your golden voice, John.
I was looking for this comment, thanks
"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.
Gonna say it again, bring back Big Break and get JV and Hendry presenting it! Would be amazing.
Not enough watch snooker never mind a snooker show sadly
I’m sure I’ve heard andy Goldstein say he tried to bring it back to no avail
@@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.
Unfortunately, today's society are far more interested in shite like Britain's Got Talent.
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.
Best commentator JV - the voice of snooker. We need a part 2 to this video.
SHAUN MURPHY
@@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff STEPHEN LEE
@@Glasschin-ot9ei yes.. STEPHEN LEE
Story tellers voice. Best commentator of them all.
So correct, not many liking the JB in here, why?
My favourite presenter. Long may he continue 🤞
Presenter 🤔
@@MikeBarratt-lk3gt I don't know why I said that. He's a commentator, and a brilliant one.
He’s like 80 😂
I absolutely love it when Stephen Hendry and John Virgo are commentating and Ronnie o Sullivan is playing 👌
John is bang on about snooker being integral to Britain, so so true.
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.
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.
Both of these gentleman understand their responsibility to keep snooker entertaining and dramatic. Legends the two of them.
The memories I have growing up watching snooker with my nan are priceless 👌
Thanks to you all 🙏
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!!
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! 😂
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.
John's Impressions of fellow snooker players are superb
Real gentlemen enjoying their time together. A pleasure to watch
Recently I've thought Virgo wasn't in the best of health. So it's great to see him looking so healthy in this.
think he might have Parkinson's disease. Speaking of which, he'd make a good chat show host.
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!!!
@@Mrphilharmonicdid you meet Virgo how was he I’m really interested in the health of it go
Virg
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.
Wheres the cue ball going!!!!!!!!
Up your bum! He's going over the top with the cue ball going stuff
@@martinlaird9712 You'll miss when he's gone.
@end-game2030 I love the guy but he isn't half milking the cue ball 😆
@@end-game2030 I WON'T. I still miss Ted, he was the GOAT.
@@thesolarfutureenthusiast1102 ohhhh Where's the Cue Ball going!!!
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.
My fav commentator of all time! I especially love John's dialogue on Ronnie's 147's
His voice is like one of your favorite presenters on Radio. A voice you can never forget.
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. 👏🏻
The best commentary duo by a mile. Perfectly complement each other.
Could listen to them forever. Great stuff!
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.
So good to see JV looking so well. The best commentator for me, great balance when Stephen is alongside him too!
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!
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!
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 👍🏼
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.
No way would they say that live on air 😮
Yes I remember this also. It was funny. I don't recall which tournament it was, but yes, he did say it.
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.
Two legends.
'Nuff said.
“Ill be lucky to watch f***ing match off the day” 😂😂😂😂
Love JV and Stephen always asks great questions 👍
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.
I just remember Alistair McGowan doing an impression and saying… “This Young Man” 🤣 Great video
Cool Alex Higgins t-shirt!
Have to admit I didn't even notice until I saw your comment. Now I want one!
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
Stephen’s passion for the game is top drawer.
Fantastic Stephen in a short space of time you have become the best snooker RUclips channel not only that one of the best channels on RUclips
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!!
The absolute best commentator bar none . Bless him , his partnership with Stephen is now the best pairing after old Willie passed.
I've been waiting for this!! John is a legend, one of the most iconic voices in Sports commentary, not just snooker
Legend 👏
That was a great watch. Good health to you both, legends of the sport, good guys. Thanks!
It ain’t snooker without John painting pictures with his insight and enthusiasm for the game. Total legend.
Virgo and Thorne were the best commentary pairing back in the day, for me.
Brilliant but I also thought Ted Lowe, Karnehm and Ray Edmonds were good too also John Pulman
Yes JV and WT were the perfect pairing, both have multiple different catch phrases, and big characters that bounce off each other
@@alanchamberlain9902 the way they dumped Clive Everton was cruel. He had encyclopaedic knowledge of the game, a true fan.
Indeed. BBC sport definitely made a mistake in dropping him the way they did.
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 😅
Awesome, these legends deserve all the success in the world. Jv and Steve Davis videos are extremely funny and entertaining respect to you all 👏👏👏👏👏
LOVE Stephen's t-shirt
Hence my comment above 20 seconds ago
Greatest snooker player of all time
Really happy that you still regularly upload
Keep these banger vids coming 🐐
That's enough about Ronnie, what about Stephen? Top 10 contender, surely?
@@matthewphilip1977 1)RONNIE 2) SELBY 3)HIGGINS 4)HENDRY
Shame he walked out on his wife and kids for a woman half his age do
@@alanchamberlain9902 Well said
@@Glasschin-ot9ei How could you put Selby and Higgins ahead of Hendry? Hendry has achieved way more as has Davis.
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
Class act and a lovely bloke his accent and commentary so warming and interesting, he feels part of the family our JV
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.
New subscriber to this great channel. Thank you, Stephen Hendry and to all guests.
Absolutely brilliant, thanks for making this one with JV.
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.
Brilliant. Dennis, JV and Stephen. Top class.
And Ken.
You two are absolute classics. JV, where`s the nodad? Stephen, great content 👍
Lovely couple of legends
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 😂
Absolutely wanting a part 2... and feel free to make it a couple of hours long
JUDD HAS A BAD ATTITUDE FOR 1 WORLD TITLE IN 19 YEARS. JUDDS FANS ARE NO BETTER. THEY ARE BLAMING RONNIE FOR JUDD LOSING TO JAK. WTF HAS RONNIE GOT TO DO WITH THE JAK/JUDD MATCH? NOBODY BLAMING JUDD FOR RONNIE LOSING TO BINGHAM LMFAOOOOOOOO
pipe down and find an ear to nibble on , will look forward to the homophobic reply and telling me the score in old Hendry games 🥱🥱🥱
This guy from Ireland has serious issues. Posting random stuff anywhere on RUclips. The Irish puff who likes Sam Smith 🍀🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🌈
Full caps? You're not a Stephen Hendry fan nor a genuine fan of snooker. Just a strange Irish man running fake profiles!
There's something mentally wrong with you Irish 👌🍀🏳️🌈
Sat at home all day using 7 fake profiles. What a life? 👌🍀🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
This man is a national treasure!
JV is the best!!!!! ❤❤❤
Great video, fun stuff, great timing too!
Thx
Absolute legend of snooker.
JV is a legend, love his old school commentary..
He’s one of sport’s greatest commentators. Brilliant skill
Absolutely love JV, could listen to him for hours and not get bored. ❤
Two legends
Another great video Stephen. Love these chats 👍
Wooooooo John !!!!!!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 ABSOLUTE LEGEND !!!!!!!!! 😍✌🏻🤟🏻😎
John Virgo is a legend.
Big Break was irresistible TV back in the 90s, happy memories
🎶 Snooker loopy nuts
are we 🎶
Another good video, I remember watching John do his impressions so funny. Nice chat thanks for this.
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.
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!
So glad you got john on. The best of all time
He's my favourite. JV brings so much excitement in his delivery
Brilliant video Stephen... keep em coming :)
Brilliant. Absolute legend j v
Used to see JV in my local the Parkside in Prestwich from time to time. Absolute legend
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.
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 😊👍
What a treat this was!
Aussie fan here. That was a great interview, thanks for putting it up.
Fantastic interview! Such great commentaries and top-class snooker at this year’s World Championships; I feel sad that it’s over.
John Virgo, legend, what a guy
I hope that snooker remains at the Crucible. As it is iconic and home to snooker that I feel that invites audiences not only to watch a match but to visit a place full of memories.
Absolutely brilliant. JV is amazing
He has a great voice, legend
Superb interview, mega-interesting!!
The editing of this video is very clean and polished! Very good.
What a lovely guy and Stephen too, and long may he continue
I simply love this man.
Brilliant!!..👏👏..
I could listen to JV's stories all day. Great bloke.
John Virgo. Dennis Taylor. And Hendry too. Superb commentators.❤
Absolute legend!
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!
John Virgo, national treasure 👌
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!