John Virgo’s Memories of Working with Jim Davidson on Big Break
In an unexpected pairing, snooker legend John Virgo and comedian Jim Davidson joined forces for more than a decade on the hit BBC gameshow, Big Break, which aired from 1991 to 2002. Despite initial doubts about how well their collaboration would fare, the show’s popularity soared, becoming one of the BBC’s biggest hits of the 1990s. Virgo, a 1979 UK Championship winner and a close friend of the infamous snooker player Alex Higgins, recently shared his thoughts on working with Davidson and reflected on their successful partnership.
Virgo confessed that he had reservations about teaming up with Davidson, who had little knowledge of snooker and was known for being somewhat challenging to work with in the entertainment industry. However, Virgo’s experience working with the fiery Higgins for two decades prepared him for any potential difficulties. The unlikely duo of a “crafty Conservative comedian” and a “dour northern socialist” surprisingly clicked, leading to an undeniable on-screen chemistry that captured the audience’s attention.
Despite Davidson’s lack of expertise in snooker, Virgo praised his co-host as a funny and generous individual to work with. Their camaraderie and mutual respect off-screen translated into a successful partnership on Big Break. As Virgo shared, “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.” This unexpected collaboration not only entertained viewers but also revitalized Virgo’s career during a transitional period as his professional snooker days were winding down.
Reflecting on the show’s unexpected success, Virgo recalled being initially unsure about its potential. However, after the first few episodes, the overwhelming positive response from viewers proved otherwise. With peak viewing figures of nearly 14 million and a decade-long run, Big Break’s popularity surpassed expectations. Virgo highlighted how the show’s takeover of the primetime slot from A Question of Sport signified the widespread appeal of snooker at the time and cemented its status as a fan favourite.
Following the conclusion of Big Break, Virgo’s collaboration with Davidson extended beyond television as the duo ventured into pantomime together. This new venture into show business marked a significant departure from Virgo’s roots as a professional snooker player and added a fresh dimension to his career. Despite the initial uncertainties, Virgo embraced the opportunity to explore different avenues in the entertainment industry, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability as a performer.
Currently, Virgo continues to share his expertise as a commentator for the BBC at prestigious events like the World Championship in Sheffield. His journey from the green baize of the snooker table to the bright lights of the television studio and theatre exemplifies his enduring passion for entertaining audiences across various platforms. As Virgo’s career transitions through different chapters, his experiences on Big Break with Jim Davidson serve as a testament to the unexpected joys that collaborations can bring, proving that sometimes the most unlikely partnerships can lead to remarkable success.