Jim Davidson’s former Big Break co-star John Virgo speaks out on comedian’s cancellation: ‘Waste of talent!’
Snooker legend John Virgo has opened up about his friendship with former Big Break co-host Jim Davidson, following the comedian’s claims that he was “cancelled” by the BBC.
The 79-year-old, who starred alongside Davidson on the popular snooker game show throughout the 1990s, shared his thoughts on their relationship and Davidson’s subsequent fall from television grace.
Despite their seemingly unlikely pairing – with Virgo describing himself as a “dour northern socialist” and Davidson as a “crafty Conservative comedian” – the duo formed a close bond during their decade-long stint on the hit programme.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Virgo made his feelings clear on Davidson no longer appearing on television.
“Jim is a comic genius and yet he can’t appear on television, because he has a black mark against his name,” he said, adding: “It’s understandable. I just feel it’s a waste of a talent.”
The comments come after Davidson has faced criticism for controversial remarks in his stand-up routines.
Virgo acknowledged the situation while still expressing admiration for his former colleague’s abilities.
Big Break proved to be a massive hit for the BBC, with viewing figures reaching nearly 14 million at its peak.
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The show paired members of the public with professional snooker players to compete for prizes.
Virgo initially had doubts about the programme’s potential success, telling the Daily Express: “In all honesty, after doing the first couple of shows, I was thinking, ‘I don’t see how this works'”.
However, the show quickly found its audience, even outperforming A Question of Sport in the same time slot.
“We ran for 10 years,” Virgo recalled. “It was remarkable.” Since Big Break ended in 2002, Davidson has come under fire for a series of controversial comments and incidents.
His stand-up routines have included offensive jokes about women, racial and ethnic minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Davidson has claimed he was unfairly “cancelled” by the BBC. During an appearance on GB News, he alleged that the corporation paid him £1million to “go away” after his success as a presenter.
The pair’s friendship continued after Big Break, with Virgo and Davidson performing in pantomime together for eight years.
Despite their different backgrounds, Virgo reflected on the chemistry that made their partnership work.
“Although Jim didn’t know much about snooker, what a funny man and a very generous man to work with,” Virgo recalled.
The snooker commentator revealed that while they no longer speak regularly, there remains “a warmth that I don’t get with many people” whenever they cross paths.
He went on: “It’s a funny thing about life. He’s your crafty Conservative comedian and I’m your dour northern socialist.
“How do you come up with that? But obviously the chemistry worked.”