Hazel Irvine
On May 3, 2026, during the BBC’s World Snooker Championship final, Hazel Irvine paid a heartfelt tribute to John Virgo, who recently passed away. She expressed her condolences to Virgo’s widow, Rosie, highlighting her deep connection to both the sport and its community.
During the coverage, Irvine stated, “It’s also John’s fantastic wife’s Rosie’s birthday today. I know you’ll be watching and we send all the love in the world to you.” This moment underscored not only her empathy but also the close-knit nature of the snooker family.
Irvine has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for nearly 40 years, primarily focusing on snooker and other major events. She began her career in 1986 and has become a trusted voice for fans of the sport.
In addition to her broadcasting achievements, Irvine married her long-term partner in a private ceremony in Scotland in 2008. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2009, just months after their wedding.
Irvine remarked that John Virgo would have loved the final match, saying, “I think John Parrott said it for all of us at the memorial…if only you had 30 seconds to say what you really feel about someone.” Her words resonated with many viewers who shared a similar sentiment.
Despite her high-profile role as a presenter, Irvine has chosen to keep details of her personal life private. Her husband’s name remains undisclosed publicly. This decision reflects her desire to maintain a boundary between her professional and personal worlds.
She currently leads the BBC’s coverage of snooker events while having previously cut back on golf commitments in 2017 to focus on family life. At that time, she was also preparing for motherhood at age 43.
The tribute not only honored John Virgo but also served as a reminder of the impact he had on snooker. His legacy continues through those who cherished him, including Hazel Irvine.
The World Snooker Championship remains one of the most significant events in the sport, attracting millions of viewers globally. As such tributes continue, they strengthen the bonds within this passionate community.