Comedian Jimmy Cricket, born James Mulgrew, has died aged 80 after a brief illness, his family announced. The veteran entertainer spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and — they say — kept his sense of humour right to the end.
In a message shared by relatives, they described his final hours as peaceful and full of laughter, noting he continued to lift spirits, including hospital staff, in his last days. They praised his courage and positivity and said his absence will be keenly felt across the variety and live-comedy circuits he helped sustain for decades.
Longstanding presence on UK stages and screens
Born in Northern Ireland in 1945, Mulgrew made his name under the stage name Jimmy Cricket and became a fixture on British entertainment stages from the 1970s onward. He built a career across stand-up, television and radio that relied on family-friendly routines and a warm, accessible stage persona.
His television credits included the long-running show And There’s More, and he fronted a BBC radio programme, BBC Radio 2’s Jimmy’s Cricket Team. He also appeared on the popular early‑1980s game show Bullseye and was a recurring performer at the annual Royal Variety Performance. Later in life he became closely associated with Blackpool, serving for more than a decade as resident comedian at the Lyndene Hotel.
- Born: 1945, Northern Ireland
- Age at death: 80
- Notable shows: And There’s More; Jimmy’s Cricket Team (Radio 2); Bullseye
- Residency: Lyndene Hotel, Blackpool (10+ years)
- Honour: Papal Knight
- Survivors: wife May, four children and four grandchildren
Faith, catchphrases and a public image
Cricket was known for a wholesome act and a signature sign-off that became part of his public identity. His family referenced that catchphrase when reflecting on his death, and also highlighted his religious faith — he was a Papal Knight — saying he believed death was not a final ending.
Colleagues and audiences remember him for a style that put the gag or the grin before shock value; his humour fit into the long British tradition of variety theatre and seaside seasons, where performers rely on quick rapport and a reliably cheerful presence.
He is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren. The family has not provided further details about funeral arrangements.
Similar Posts
- Kiki Shepard dies at 74: former Showtime at the Apollo co-host remembered
- Horror director Justin Hardy dead at 61: sudden passing stuns fans
- Lord Sear dead at 52: influential hip-hop radio DJ remembered
- Brenda Fricker dead at 81: Oscar-winning actress famous for Home Alone 2 pigeon lady role
- Dot Rotten’s death at 37 shakes UK grime scene
Hello, I’m River. I inform you about the latest pop trends and viral buzz to feed your curiosity.