John Virgo, a former UK snooker champion, has shared his reflections on his long-running partnership with comedian Jim Davidson on the beloved BBC game show Big Break. Despite initial doubts about the pairing, the show became a hit, captivating audiences from 1991 to 2002.
Virgo, who was known for his witty catchphrases and engaging commentary, admitted he had serious reservations about teaming up with Davidson, a comedian with little knowledge of snooker. "I always remember, Jim had a bit of a reputation in the business for being hard work," Virgo recalled. However, the chemistry between the two proved effective, leading to a successful run that sometimes drew close to 14 million viewers at its peak.
Big Break, which paired contestants with professional snooker players, became a staple of British television. Virgo, who described himself as a “dour northern socialist,” noted the contrasting personalities of himself and Davidson, whom he referred to as the “crafty Conservative comedian.” This unlikely duo created a dynamic that resonated with viewers, and Virgo reflected on their partnership, saying, "It’s a funny thing about life. How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked."
Virgo's career was winding down when he was approached to join Big Break. The 1979 UK Championship was a pivotal moment in his life, marking the highlight of his snooker career. He reminisced, "I’d got to a few semi-finals but you could see I was slightly on the wane." Despite his initial skepticism about the show, Virgo quickly adapted to the new role and embraced the opportunity to entertain a wider audience.
Initially, Virgo was uncertain about the show's potential. He shared, "In all honesty, after doing the first couple of shows, I was thinking, ‘I don’t see how this works’.” However, the show took over the slot from A Question of Sport and quickly outperformed it in the ratings, showcasing the popularity of snooker during the early 1990s. "We ran for 10 years and peaked at nearly 14 million viewers. It was remarkable," he said.
As Big Break continued to thrive, Virgo and Davidson developed a strong rapport. Virgo praised Davidson, stating, "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." Their camaraderie extended beyond the show, as they later collaborated in pantomime performances, further solidifying their friendship.
Reflecting on his transition from snooker player to television personality, Virgo noted, "It was certainly a different way of life for me, from being a snooker player to getting into show business." He had previously participated in pantomime with Timmy Mallet, which he described as a chaotic experience, but the opportunity to work with Davidson was a highlight of his post-snooker career.
Today, Virgo remains a familiar voice in the snooker community, providing commentary for the BBC at the World Championship in Sheffield. His legacy is intertwined with Big Break, a unique blend of sport and entertainment that captured the imagination of a generation. The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to the successful partnership between Virgo and Davidson, showcasing how contrasting personalities can create magic on screen.
As snooker continues to evolve, Virgo's contributions to the sport and television will not be forgotten. His journey from a competitive player to a beloved television figure exemplifies the unexpected paths that life can take. Virgo's story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely collaborations can lead to extraordinary success.
