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Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket dies at 80
Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish entertainer born James Mulgrew, died on 3 August 2026 at the age of 80 after a brief illness. His family released a statement saying he spent his final days surrounded by his wife May, their four children, four grandchildren, and “love, laughter and songs”.
Cricket was best known for his catch‑phrase “And there’s more!” and for performing in wellington boots deliberately worn on the wrong feet. Over a five‑decade career he headlined the ITV series *And There’s More*, appeared on the BBC’s *The Good Old Days* and *Jimmy’s Cricket Team* on Radio 2, and performed at several Royal Variety Shows. He was also a Papal Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great.
His death prompted tributes from fellow comedians and fans who remembered him as a “greatest champion” of clean, family‑friendly comedy.
Entities
BBC Radio 2 · Cookstown · County Tyrone · ITV · Jimmy Cricket · Jimmy Cricket (James Mulgrew) · May Cricket · Northern Ireland · Royal Variety Performance · United Kingdom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He began his entertainment career as a Butlin's Redcoat in the 1970s. www.mirror.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jimmy Cricket was a Northern Irish stand‑up comedian born in Cookstown, County Tyrone. www.mirror.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jimmy Cricket was a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. www.mirror.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] He died on Monday morning. www.mirror.co.uk · www.breakingnews.ie · www.standard.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jimmy Cricket died at age 80 following a short illness. www.mirror.co.uk · www.breakingnews.ie · www.standard.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He had been performing up to March 2026 and planned a tour for September‑October 2026, which was cancelled. www.mirror.co.uk