Comedian Jimmy Cricket Dies at 80

Jimmy Cricket, the beloved Northern Irish comedian famed for his unique persona and memorable catchphrases, has passed away at 80 following a brief illness, as confirmed by his family on social media. Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1945, he embarked on his entertainment journey at the age of 16 as a Redcoat at Butlins in 1966. Gaining prominence during the 1970s and 1980s, he won LWT's Search for a Star talent competition, which paved the way for his own ITV show and a BBC Radio 2 series. His family referred to him as a 'force for joy' and highlighted his strong Catholic faith, being a Papal Knight. Fellow comedians, including John Linehan (May McFettridge), Tim Vine, and Ted Robbins, shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating his humility and positivity. In a 2024 interview with BBC Radio 4 Extra's The Comedy Club, he reminisced about his Belfast upbringing and the variety shows that influenced him. His family concluded their statement with a reference to his iconic catchphrase, 'There's no more,' while expressing their faith in an afterlife, stating, 'And there's more.'