Comedian Jimmy Cricket Has Died, Aged 80

Comedian Jimmy Cricket, born James Joseph Mulgrew, died on Monday aged 80.

In a statement, his family said: “Our beloved Jimmy passed away this morning after a short illness.

“He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs. Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years.”

“Whether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well.

“But that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family. A devoted husband to May for fifty-two years.

“A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren. He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly. He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian. What a life he lived.”

“Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end. His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational,” the statement continued.

“A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today. We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, ‘There’s no more’.

“But Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really… And there’s more.”

The Northern Irish comic was born in Cookstown in county Tyrone in 1945.

After getting into comedy in the ’70s and ’80s, he went on to win LWT’s Search for a Star talent contest and later got his own TV and radio shows.

Known for his catchphrases and iconic bowler hat and wellies, labelled “L” and “R” respectively, Jimmy’s persona was developed early in his career.

Comedian Tim Vine has responded to the news of his death on X, writing: “Ah Jimmy Cricket…what a lovely, inspiring, funny man. I have a great memory being at his home and he said ‘Do you want to hear my new song?’ I said ‘of course’. He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought ‘I hope I’m like this when I’m older’. RIP.”

Jimmy had previously said he was taking a “little sabbatical for health reasons”.