**Neil Robertson Reflects on Commentating Experience with John Virgo, Praises BBC Snooker Team**
Former world snooker champion Neil Robertson has spoken candidly about his admiration for veteran BBC commentator John Virgo, after sharing commentary duties with him during the World Snooker Championship. Robertson, who has not only enjoyed a glittering playing career but has occasionally stepped into broadcasting himself, did not hold back in expressing his appreciation for Virgo’s contributions to the sport and the BBC’s snooker coverage.
The Australian snooker ace, now 43, remains an active competitor at the highest level, yet his forays into the commentary box have offered him a unique perspective. Recounting his experiences on the ‘Stephen Hendry Cue Tips’ podcast, Robertson remarked on the level of skill demonstrated by established commentators like Virgo. “Having myself done some commentary and punditry work at the World Championships last year, I developed a deeper respect for just how masterful these guys are,” Robertson noted. “John Virgo, in particular, impressed me with his impeccable timing and the natural flow of his delivery.”
John Virgo’s voice has become synonymous with snooker in the UK, not only through his tournament commentary, but also thanks to his long-running stint on the much-loved BBC programme ‘Big Break’. Since he first took up the microphone in 1991, Virgo has woven his personality and expertise into the nation’s snooker narrative, becoming an enduring figure in the sport.
Robertson’s praise was echoed by seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, also a regular fixture in the commentary box. Hendry highlighted the infectious energy that Virgo and other experienced commentators bring to the broadcast. “While some of us might delve into the technical side of play, it’s commentators like John who inject real excitement and atmosphere,” Hendry observed.
John Virgo is equally famous for his distinctive catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”, a rhetorical remark delivered whenever the white ball appears in danger of being potted, much to the amusement of long-time fans. Virgo’s light-hearted and insightful presence has endeared him to audiences over the decades.
However, there was a moment when it seemed fans would have to bid farewell to Virgo’s voice. The commentator himself previously revealed he expected to leave the BBC after the 2022/23 season, as the organisation considered bringing in younger voices to refresh its line-up. Reflecting on this uncertainty at the time, Virgo told the Telegraph, “I wouldn’t have been like this 30 years ago, I would have fought tooth and nail to stay. But now, I’ve learnt not to get hung up about decisions you can’t control. All you can do is accept it and appreciate the great times.”
This potential departure prompted an outpouring of support from the snooker community, many of whom advocated for Virgo’s continued involvement. In a turn of events, the BBC decided to retain the popular commentator. Speaking later on the BBC’s own ‘Snookered’ podcast, Virgo described the update as “music to my ears,” confirming he would remain part of the snooker broadcast team for the foreseeable future.
“I’d have missed it terribly—just the experience of being there, part of the championships,” Virgo admitted. “For now, I have the privilege of continuing in the job I love. Who knows how long that will last? But I’ll treasure every minute of it.”
The evolving role of commentators like Virgo highlights not only their significance in shaping the viewing experience, but also the delicate balance broadcasters face between introducing new perspectives and honouring established voices. For many snooker fans, the prospect of tuning in without Virgo’s familiar tones at the helm seemed unthinkable, underscoring the central role he has played in the sport’s media landscape.
As the BBC’s snooker coverage continues, the presence of respected figures such as John Virgo ensures that both tradition and expertise remain at the heart of the audience’s engagement with the sport. And for rising stars behind the microphone like Neil Robertson, the opportunity to work alongside such stalwarts is both an honour and a learning experience.