BBC to axe snooker commentary stalwarts John Virgo and Dennis Taylor next year

Veteran BBC snooker commentators John Virgo and Dennis Taylor are reportedly set to be dropped by the broadcaster next year

The BBC are reportedly set to axe commentators John Virgo and Dennis Taylor after the 2023 World Snooker Championship.

Back in September, Virgo revealed that the BBC had told him that this year’s World Championship would be his last, along with Taylor. However, the Telegraph claim that Virgo and Taylor have been granted ‘a stay of execution to 2023’ by the BBC.

Speaking to the same publication, Virgo said he does not have “any bad feelings” towards the broadcaster over their decision. “I wouldn’t have been like this 30 years ago, I would have been fighting my corner,” Virgo said.

“But I’ve realised – and it’s taken me a long time to realise it – not to get caught up in something you have no control of. I can’t have any bad feelings.

“Maybe it’s a working-class attitude I’ve been brought up with but there’s b***** all I can do about it, so why get bothered? I’m not going to go round on my hands and knees begging for a job.

“I’m past that. So I’ll just get on with what I’m doing, enjoy it and treasure every moment. I understand that you get over a certain age and they want to try something different.”

As a player, Virgo featured in the first ever World Championship to be held at the Crucible in 1977, getting eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual winner John Spencer. The 76-year-old notably won the UK Championship in 1979, beating Terry Griffiths 14-13 in the final, before becoming a well-known broadcaster and television personality with the BBC.

Along with his commentary work, Virgo hosted Big Break for 11 years alongside comedian Jim Davidson. “It was life-changing,” Virgo added of the show.

“We replaced Question of Sport in their slot and the viewing figures were better than they had from the first day. We were up against Blind Date and we were getting as many viewers. It was incredible.

“Jim is a comic genius and yet he can’t appear on television, because he has a black mark against his name. It’s understandable. I just feel it’s a waste of a talent.”