John Virgo: Jim Davidson no longer being on TV is a 'waste of talent'

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
·2-min read
TV presenter and comedian Jim Davidson (left), as Dick Whittington, with co-star former snooker player turned commentator John Virgo, as Captain Creep, in Covent Garden, London, to publicise their pantomime in December at the London Apollo. * ...in Hammersmith. The panto will run from December 22nd to January 21st 2001.
Jim Davidson and John Virgo in panto in 2001. (PA)

John Virgo has said that his old friend Jim Davidson is a “comic genius” and that the fact he’s no longer on TV is a “waste of talent”.

The former snooker player and TV personality, 76, worked with Davidson back in the 90s when they were on the hit quiz show Big Break together.

However, comedian Davidson, 68, has become something of a divisive figure as a result of some of the comments he has made in recent years.

Read more: Jim Davidson claims theatre has axed his shows over Diversity dance comments

He now has his own streaming service called Ustreme, which he has said offers viewers “all the things that we used to laugh at”.

Speaking to The Telegraph about Davidson not being on screen these days, Virgo said it was “understandable” but suggested that it was a shame that the talent was being wasted.

Jim Davidson arrives for the funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall. Jethro, real name Geoffrey Rowe, died on December 14 after contracting Covid-19. Picture date: Monday January 3, 2022.
Jim Davidson has his own streaming service now. (PA)

“Jim is a comic genius and yet he can’t appear on television, because he has a black mark against his name,” he said.

“It’s understandable. I just feel it’s a waste of a talent.”

Virgo also revealed that he still considers Davidson to be a friend of his.

"He wasn't everyone's cup of tea but he is still my mate,” he added.

Big Break aired from 1991 to 2002.

Comedian Jim Davidson in the stands
John Virgo said Jim Davidson is still his friend. (PA)

The show was a mix of snooker and traditional game show elements and was a hit with viewers.

Davidson is also known for shows such as Up The Elephant And Round the Castle and The Generation Game.

Read more: Piers Morgan slams Jim Davidson after comic says he's 'ashamed' to know him

In recent years he has sparked a backlash with some controversial comments, such as saying that dance troupe Diversity’s acclaimed Black Lives Matter-inspired routine on Britain’s Got Talent was “the most indulgent piece of stuff I’ve seen in ages”.

He also ruffled some feathers last year when he was quoted as saying that he had visited convicted paedophile Gary Glitter in jail and that the singer was “remorseful” and ready to start "a new life”.

Watch: Jim Davidson storms out of racism conversation with Ashley Banjo

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