Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket was honored this past Friday during a service at Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester. The ceremony brought together a generation of British television legends to celebrate the 80-year-old entertainer's life and career.
A gathering of comedy legends at Salford Cathedral
The funeral service for Jimmy Cricket, born James Joseph Mulgrew, was held at Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester this past Friday. As reported by the source, the event saw a significant turnout from the British entertainment industry, including several household names from the golden age of variety television.
Prominent attendees included:
- Roy Walker, 86, the former host of Catchphrase.
- Tommy Cannon, 88, of the famed duo Cannon and Ball.
- Syd Little, 83, representing the duo Little and Large.
- Stu Francis, the well-known Crackerjack host.
- John Henshaw, recognized for his role in Early Doors.
- His signature catchphrase, "And there's more!"
- His humorous habit of wearing Wellington boots with the L and R markings on the wrong feet.
The presence of these figures highlights the deep respect held for Cricket within the professional comedy community. Even the widow of Les Dawson, Tracey , was seen arriving at the cathedral to pay her respects to the late performer.
The journey from Cookstown to the 'And there's more!' catchphrase
Jimmy Cricket's career was rooted in his early days as a Butlin's Redcoat, a starting point he shared with fellow comedian Freddie 'Parrot Face' Davies. Born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Cricket eventually became a staple of 1970s television, known for a gentle and relaxing style of comedy that stood out in a crowded industry.
The entertainer was defined by several iconic trademarks that endeared him to audiennces for decades. These included:
Freddie 'Parrot Face' Davies provided a moving tribute, describing Cricket as a "true funny Bones comic" and a "throwback to Variety days ." Davies noted that Cricket's presence was a "relaxing change" for those working alongside him in the industry.
A Papal Knight's devotion to May and his family
Beyond his comedic persona, Jimmy Cricket was a man of significant religious standing and deep family commitment. In 2015, he was awarded the highest honor of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis, becoming a Papal Knight—a distinction he reportedly received "right out of the blue."
According to the statement released by the family, Cricket was a devoted husband to his wife, May, for 52 years. The family described him as a "force for joy" who remained a man of great faith until the end. He leaves behind four children and four grandchildren, whom he reportedly loved "loudly" and treated with great silliness.
The unanswered details of his recent medical sabbatical
While the funeral celebrated a long and successful life, certain details regarding the end of his career remain unverified.. The source notes that Cricket had recently taken a "sabbatical for health reasons" and had begun medical treatment, but the specific nature of the illness that led to his death at age 80 has not been disclosed.
The report mentions that he was "cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff" right until the end, but it does not clarify the exact timeline of his decline or the specific diagnosis. Furthermore, while the family expressed their grief, the exact circumstances surrounding his sudden departure from his tour remain a matter of private medical record.
Comments 0