Jimmy Cricket left school at 16 and spent the next two years working in a betting shop, before spending joining Butlin’s holiday camp in Mosney, Co Meath, in 1966.
He worked as a Red Coat entertainer for three summers, moving to Manchester in the meantime, where he combined working the Northern club circuit with a day job as a door-to-door salesman. From 1972 he worked at the Pontins in Southport and Morecambe.
Over this time he perfected his own take on the ‘thick Irishman’ stereotype, including his catchphrases ‘c'mere’ and ‘...and there's more’ and his distinctive outfit: cut-off trousers, tuxedo, hat and wellies marked ‘L’ and ‘R’ – always on the wrong feet.
Unlike many comics of his generation, it wasn’t The Comedians show that made his name, as he never appeared on the show. Instead he came to prominence in 1981 after reaching the finals of the ITV talent hunt Search For A Star.
In 1986, he landed his own TV series on Central Television called And There's More, which ran for three years. He also had his own radio series for Radio 2, Jimmy’s Cricket Team, from 1991 to 1995.
He is also a regular pantomime star, having appeared in 17 to date.
He married wife May in 1974 and they have four children Dale, Frank, Jamie, and Katie – who is now working the comedy circuit herself.
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Jimmy Cricket dies at 80
'What a life he lived'
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80.
In a statement, his family said the comic – real name James Mulgrew – died this morning after a short illness, adding: ‘He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs.’
Their statement said: ‘Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years. Whether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well.
‘But that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family. A devoted husband to May for fifty two years. A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren. He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly.
‘He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian. What a life he lived.
‘Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end. His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today.
‘We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, "There’s no more". But Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity really…And there’s more.’
Comedy agent Lee Martin – his son-in-law – added on social media that he as ‘a true second father that not only was a huge inspiration with all he achieved in comedy. But in all he achieved in being an incredible man. His love, understanding, joy, kindness and of course his laughter made the world an infinitely better place.
‘Sleep well my wonderful friend. We miss you deeply. I’m forever "just happy to be in show business" because of you.’
Others paying tribute included comedian Tim Vine, who posted: ' Ah Jimmy Cricket…what a lovely, inspiring, funny man. I have a great memory being at his home and he said "Do you want to hear my new song?" I said "of course". He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought "I hope I’m like this when I’m older". RIP.'
And fellow comic Toby Hadoke added: 'Jimmy Cricket : truly one of the nicest men in this business. Daft as a brush on stage (and able to be cross generational in his appeal) but so warm and kind and generous and supportive off it. He also has a lovely family of good people. Ah this is so sad. RIP Jimmy.'
Born on 17 October 1945 in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Mulgrew left school at 16 and worked in a betting shop before joining Butlin's holiday camp in Mosney, Co Meath, as a redcoat entertainer in 1966.
From 1972 he performed at Pontins camps in Southport and Morecambe, developing the stage persona built around cut-off trousers, a tuxedo, a hat, and wellington boots marked 'L' and 'R' worn on the wrong feet, alongside the catchphrase "'..and there's more.'
He reached the final of the ITV talent show Search for a Star in 1981, which led to his own television series And There's More, produced by Central Television and broadcast in four series between 1985 and 1988; the programme gave Rory Bremner his first television appearance.
He also presented a BBC Radio 2 series, Jimmy's Cricket Team, written by Morecambe and Wise writer Eddie Braben, and appeared in The Krankies Klub alongside The Krankies and Bobby Davro. He performed at the Royal Variety Performance in 1984 and was profiled on This Is Your Life.
In 2003 he was made a Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great by the Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, May, and their four children, including comedian Katie.
We do not currently hold contact details for Jimmy Cricket's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.
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