Big Break, a snooker-based TV contest, was a beloved show on the BBC in the 1990s. Viewers particularly enjoyed the hosts Jim Davidson and John Virgo. The show ran for 11 years through the ’90s and early ’00s, attracting up to 14 million viewers at its peak. John Virgo, now 78, continues to work as a commentator and will be providing commentary at the 2024 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Let’s take a look at what happened to these co-stars since the show ended in 2002.
Jim Davidson, the outspoken host of Big Break, hosted the show for over a decade in the ’90s. He had previous success with his own show, The Jim Davidson Show, which ran from 1979 to 1982. The comedian, now 70, has been married five times and is engaged to his new fiancee Natasha, 47. He has faced challenges, including a 2013 arrest linked to Operation Yewtree, which was part of the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal. Despite the upheavals, Jim won Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 and continues to perform stand-up comedy with occasional controversies related to his jokes.
John Virgo, the famous commentator known for his catchphrase “Where’s the cue ball going?”, initially started as a snooker player. He reached the semi-finals at the Crucible and became the UK Champion in 1979. While rumors swirled about the BBC’s decision to remove John and his co-commentator from covering the World Championships, the decision was later reversed due to public outcry. John is grateful for the success of Big Break, which helped him financially during a challenging period when his playing income dwindled. He maintains close friendships with snooker legends and values the impact the show had on his career.
Both Jim and John have faced their share of triumphs and setbacks since the end of Big Break. Jim’s life has been marked by multiple marriages, legal troubles, and career highs like winning Celebrity Big Brother. John continues to work as a commentator and cherishes the relationships he formed in the world of snooker. Big Break remains a significant part of their lives, with Jim and John both acknowledging the show’s role in shaping their post-Big Break careers. As they move forward, these co-stars from a beloved TV show continue to embark on new adventures and challenges, solidifying their enduring legacies in the world of entertainment and snooker.
