John Virgo memoir to John Blake Publishing

Snooker player John Virgo of BBC "Big Break" fame is publishing his memoir with John Blake Publishing.

In the "revelatory" memoir, Virgo will share his story of 40 years in snooker. The former UK champion and chairman of the World Snooker Association will take readers on a journey from his childhood in Salford through smoky snooker dens to tournaments and championships.

Reflecting on his career, he will talk about how he overcame adversity to become UK champion, yet reveal how gambling wrecked his dreams of becoming World Champion, and nearly made him bankrupt.

Rosie Virgo, m.d. at John Blake Publishing, acquired world rights from the author directly. She said: "I am delighted that John has finally been persuaded to write his autobiography – his has really been an extraordinary and colourful life."

The autumn launch will be supported by a full sales, PR and marketing campaign across traditional and social media.