Family pay tribute to ‘like a light’ Jimmy Cricket ahead of his funeral

Mourners are to gather to honour stand-up comedian Jimmy Cricket at a funeral in Salford Cathedral, Greater Manchester, on Friday afternoon.

The Northern Irish comic, born James Mulgrew, died on August 3 at the age of 80 “surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs”, following his battle with a short illness, a statement from his family said.

Cricket, who was known for his signature bowler hat and catchphrase “And there’s more”, became a TV staple in the 80s, appearing in programmes such as The Good Old Days as well as the Royal Variety Performance.

His family have invited fans to celebrate his life at his funeral requiem mass at Salford Cathedral at 1.30pm.

Cricket’s youngest son, a former comedian who became a priest, Father Frankie Mulgrew said the Cookstown-born comic asked for the last rites twice, “almost like he asked for an encore”, before he died.

He described his father as being “like a light” and said he loved making people laugh.

In a statement posted on social media, the family said Cricket, who was a devout Catholic, was their “greatest champion” and that he “loved us all loudly”.

It said: “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.”

Cricket was married to his wife May for 52 years and they had four children. He was described as being a “very silly grandad” to four grandchildren.

Cricket left school at 16 and spent his summers working as Redcoat camp host at Butlins holiday camps.

He went on to work the comedy club scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s, going on to win LWT’s Search for a Star talent contest before getting his own ITV show, And There’s More, which ran for four seasons.

He later fronted his own programme on BBC Radio 2 before appearing on the Royal Variety Show in the 80s and performing in a number of pantomimes.

the service is being held at Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester