**John Parrott: The Snooker Star’s Fortune, Family and Reflections on His Broadcasting Legacy**
Few figures are as deeply woven into the tapestry of British snooker as John Parrott. Since the 1980s, Parrott has cultivated a distinguished career both on the green baize and, later, behind the BBC microphones, helping to shape the national conversation surrounding the sport. Here, we examine Parrott’s impressive net worth, his low-profile family life, his departure from the iconic programme ‘A Question of Sport’, and his thoughts regarding recent rumours about changes to the BBC snooker commentary team.
Born in Liverpool in 1964, John Parrott first picked up the cue professionally in 1983. He found his stride through the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching numerous finals in snooker’s cherished ‘Triple Crown’ tournaments. The pinnacle of his playing career arrived in 1991, when he conquered the World Snooker Championship—a victory that resonated with fans and helped carve his name into the sport’s history. To cap off an outstanding period, Parrott followed up by clinching the UK Championship in the 1991/92 season, further solidifying his elite status.
Upon retiring from competitive play, Parrott transitioned seamlessly into the broadcasting world. For many, his voice and insights have become an essential part of watching the World Snooker Championship and other tournaments on the BBC. A highly regarded pundit, Parrott has also ventured into presenting horse racing for the broadcaster, reflecting his passion for sports beyond the snooker table. His depth of knowledge and affable manner have kept him at the forefront of sports commentary for decades.
Thanks to a career that spans both competitive play and media work, Parrott has accumulated a substantial fortune. Reports suggest his net worth now stands at approximately £9.1 million, according to figures published by Casino.org in early 2024. Notably, around £3.2 million of that sum originated from his prize money during his playing days, but it is widely considered that his media and television appearances have proved even more financially rewarding in the years since he hung up his cue.
Despite his profile, Parrott is known to guard his private life closely. He has been married to his wife Karen for many years, though she chooses to keep a low public profile. The couple share two children: Josh, born in 1994, and Ellie, born in 1997. Parrott has often spoken warmly of his family, prioritising them when he decided to leave his role as team captain on BBC’s ‘A Question of Sport’ in 2002. In a candid interview that year with The Telegraph, he admitted the relentless filming schedule and travel had become difficult, and that spending time at home with his wife and children had become his greatest joy.
Speaking at the time, Parrott reflected, “The travelling was tough. Often, I’d be leaving the house at 10 o’clock in the morning to film three shows and not get back until three or four the next day… From the day the children were born, my priorities changed. Getting up in the morning… seeing the two of them sitting there at the table while the missus runs round making a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea is my idea of paradise.”
Recently, the continuity of the BBC’s snooker commentary team has come under the spotlight. Rumours following the 2023 World Championship suggested that fellow pundits John Virgo and Dennis Taylor—both legendary players in their own right—were facing forced departures from their roles. The talk stirred concern among fans, as the pair’s voices are considered integral to the sport’s television coverage.
Speaking on the matter, Parrott was quick to lend support to his long-standing colleagues and friends. “They’re the voices of snooker, the two of them,” he remarked. “They’ve seen the game through all its eras and greats. Many people still remember their playing days and enjoy hearing their stories. Dennis and JV put it over brilliantly. Their voices are synonymous with the sport… There’s no reason at their age why they shouldn’t be allowed to carry on. Both of them are excellent at their jobs.”
Parrott’s journey—from world champion player to beloved commentator and family man—remains a testament to both professional excellence and personal values. As he and his colleagues continue to guide audiences through snooker’s most dramatic moments, their place in the sport’s ongoing story seems assured. Even as broadcasting changes loom, figures like Parrott show just how essential these familiar voices are in keeping the spirit and tradition of snooker alive for fans old and new.