Jimmy Cricket, a northern Irish comic who achieved prominence on British television during the 1980s, has died at age 80. His family announced his passing in a statement posted to his Facebook page, noting he had been surrounded by family members during his final days.
Cricket, born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, began his entertainment career as a Butlin’s Redcoat after leaving school at 16. He worked the northern comedy circuits throughout the 1970s before achieving his breakthrough by reaching the semi-finals of the television talent competition Search for a Star in 1980. His signature comedic presentation included a tailcoat, short trousers, and wellington boots marked with “L” and “R” on the wrong feet, accompanied by his famous catchphrase “And there’s more!”
During the 1980s, Cricket became a household television presence through multiple programs. He fronted his own ITV series titled “And there’s more!” and made regular appearances on BBC entertainment shows including The Good Old Days and The Krankies Klub. He performed at the 1984 Royal Variety Performance. By the mid-1990s, he transitioned toward radio work, starring in four series of BBC Radio 2’s Jimmy’s Cricket Team.
Beyond his entertainment career, Cricket was recognized for extensive charitable work. He appeared in the 2007 Comic Relief video for “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” alongside Peter Kay and Matt Lucas, and regularly organized fundraising tours for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester. In 2015, Pope Francis awarded him a papal knighthood in recognition of his charitable contributions. Cricket was married to May Tweedie for 52 years and had four children and four grandchildren.
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