Jimmy Cricket, born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, passed away following a brief illness. The entertainer became a prominent television figure during the 1980s, establishing himself as a recognizable personality across British broadcasting.
Cricket’s career began when he left school at age 16 and later worked as a Butlin’s Redcoat before relocating to northern England. He performed on the comedy circuit throughout the 1970s until reaching the semi-finals of the talent competition Search for a Star in 1980, which launched his mainstream career. His signature appearance included a tailcoat, short trousers, and wellington boots marked with “L” and “R” on the wrong feet. He fronted an ITV series titled “And there’s more!”—his well-known catchphrase—and made numerous television appearances on programs including The Good Old Days, The Krankies Klub, and This Is Your Life in 1987. 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 work, Cricket was recognized for extensive charitable endeavors. He appeared in a 2007 Comic Relief video 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 charity contributions. Cricket remained active in entertainment until his final days, reportedly joking with staff members at the end of his life.
He married May Tweedie in 1972 and had four children. His family described him as a devoted husband and grandfather, noting his impact both on audiences throughout his career and on those closest to him.
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