Dennis Taylor recalls saving Clive Everton's life as snooker legends gather for John Virgo memorial

Key facts

• John Virgo, BBC's 'voice of snooker', died in February at age 79.
• A memorial service was held at Sheffield Cathedral on Monday.
• Dennis Taylor, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, John Higgins, Cliff Thorburn, Shaun Murphy, and John Parrott attended.
• Virgo's widow Rosie Ries was present at the service.
• Taylor saved Clive Everton from a fall at the UK Championship by grabbing his tie.
• The John Virgo Trophy tournament took place in County Kildare, Ireland, on Sunday.
• Taylor, 77, will commentate on the 2026 World Snooker Championship starting Saturday.
• Taylor participated in the Snooker 900 Creator Clash on Wednesday, streamed on Pluto TV.

A final tribute at Sheffield Cathedral

Snooker legends gathered at Sheffield Cathedral on Monday to honour John Virgo, the former player and beloved BBC commentator who died in February at the age of 79. Among the mourners were Dennis Taylor, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, John Higgins, Cliff Thorburn, Shaun Murphy, and John Parrott. Virgo's widow, Rosie Ries, also attended the service, which took place just days before the start of the 2026 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.

Taylor's tribute to a showman and friend

Dennis Taylor, who won the world championship in 1985, spoke ahead of the service about the void Virgo's absence will leave. 'Everyone is going to miss his commentary when the snooker starts this weekend. I know I will,' Taylor said. He recalled Virgo's signature catchphrases, such as 'Where’s the cue ball going?' and called him 'a showman, a commentator and an entertainer' who 'had it all.' Taylor added that while he used the phrase himself, Virgo had made it his own.

A life saved in the commentary box

In an interview ahead of the Snooker 900 Creator Clash, Taylor recounted an incident during the UK Championship when he inadvertently saved the life of fellow commentator Clive Everton. 'He leant back and his chair was heading out of the commentary box door,' Taylor said. Everton grabbed Taylor's tie, preventing a fall from a height that could have caused serious injury. Taylor had to cut the tie off afterward. 'That was a moment I will never forget,' he added.

A busy week of remembrance and competition

Taylor, who turned 77 in January, has had a packed schedule leading up to the World Championship. On Sunday, he was in County Kildare, Ireland, for the inaugural John Virgo Trophy, a tournament created to honour the late commentator. On Monday, after the memorial, he attended Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Leeds at Old Trafford alongside Ken Doherty and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Taylor quipped that the 24-day gap between fixtures 'didn't do them any good.'

A career spanning five decades

Taylor has been a fixture in snooker for over 50 years, first as a player and then as a BBC commentator. He went full-time after retiring from professional play in 2000. Among his standout memories is commentating on Ronnie O'Sullivan's historic 147 break in 1997, compiled in just five minutes and 22 seconds. He also cherishes time in the commentary box with Virgo, Ted Lowe, and Clive Everton.

The 2026 World Championship and beyond

The 2026 World Snooker Championship begins Saturday at the Crucible Theatre, with Taylor set to provide commentary. He noted that Virgo's absence will be felt deeply. 'It is not going to be the same,' Taylor said. The tournament marks another chapter in a sport still mourning one of its most distinctive voices. Meanwhile, Taylor continues to engage with new formats, having participated in the Snooker 900 Creator Clash on Wednesday, streamed live on Pluto TV.

The bottom line

• John Virgo's memorial brought together multiple generations of snooker champions at Sheffield Cathedral.
• Dennis Taylor recounted a dramatic moment when he saved Clive Everton from a fall in the commentary box.
• The John Virgo Trophy was launched in Ireland as a permanent tribute to the commentator.
• Taylor will commentate on the 2026 World Championship, which starts Saturday at the Crucible.
• Virgo's catchphrases and showmanship remain a cherished part of snooker's broadcast legacy.