Breaking News: Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Ireland-born comedian known for his gentle humour, trademark wellington boots and the catchphrase “and there’s more”, has died aged 80 after a short illness. The Latest News Ireland update was confirmed by his family, who said he died on Monday morning surrounded by relatives, laughter and music.
For readers following Ireland News and Irish News today, the key facts are clear: the veteran performer, born James Mulgrew in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, spent more than five decades entertaining audiences across television, radio, live comedy and pantomime. His family described his final days as full of love, while fellow comedians remembered him as a warm, original and deeply kind figure in British and Irish entertainment.
Breaking News Ireland: Jimmy Cricket remembered by family after his death
In a statement shared publicly, Jimmy Cricket’s family said their “beloved Jimmy” had passed away after a short illness. They said he spent his last days surrounded by family members and remained true to himself to the end, continuing to joke with hospital staff and loved ones.
One of the most moving details came from his son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, who said his father asked for the last rites twice, “almost like an encore”. The remark captured both Jimmy Cricket’s Catholic faith and the playful comic timing that defined his public image for decades.
The family said he brought happiness not only to audiences but especially to those closest to him. He is survived by his wife May, whom he was married to for 52 years, their four children and four grandchildren.
- Born: James Mulgrew
- Hometown: Cookstown, Co Tyrone
- Age: 80
- Known for: Stand-up comedy, television variety shows, radio and pantomime
- Family: Wife May, four children, four grandchildren
Latest Irish News: A comic career built on family-friendly humour
For many readers checking News Today, Jimmy Cricket will be remembered as one of the most recognisable comedy voices of the 1980s. He built a loyal following with an act that stood apart from sharper or more adult material, relying instead on visual gags, storytelling, wordplay and warmth.
After leaving school at 16, he worked summers as a Redcoat at Butlins holiday camps, experience that helped shape his stagecraft and audience connection. He later worked the club circuit through the 1970s and 1980s before his major breakthrough came when he won LWT’s Search for a Star.
That success led to his own ITV series, And There’s More, which ran for four seasons. He also appeared on the Royal Variety Show, hosted a programme on BBC Radio 2 and became a familiar face in pantomime and live touring productions.
Why Jimmy Cricket stood out
His success came from more than a catchphrase. In an entertainment landscape often driven by trends, Jimmy Cricket remained loyal to a clean, accessible style that appealed across generations. That made him especially valued by family audiences and by viewers who saw him as part of a classic era of television variety entertainment.
His costume choices, physical comedy and cheerful persona made him instantly recognisable. Yet those who worked with him have also highlighted something else: professionalism, decency and generosity behind the scenes.
Ireland Headlines: Tributes from fellow comedians and admirers
As the news spread across Ireland Today and entertainment circles, tributes quickly followed. Comedian Ted Robbins remembered him as one of the “Last Great Comics” and praised his unique style, saying he was “never blue just funny”. He also referenced Jimmy Cricket’s famous line in a message grounded in the comedian’s strong Christian faith.
Comedian Tim Vine described him as a “lovely, inspiring, funny man” and recalled a visit to his home where Jimmy enthusiastically performed a new song in person. The memory painted a vivid picture of a man whose comic energy remained intact well into later life.
These tributes matter because they place Jimmy Cricket in a wider tradition of live performers who earned respect not just from audiences but from other comics. In Irish Headlines and UK showbusiness coverage alike, he is being remembered as an act with a distinctive voice rather than a nostalgia figure alone.
What’s Happening in Ireland: Health update before his death
Before his death, Jimmy Cricket had told supporters through his official website that he was taking a “little sabbatical for health reasons” and had begun treatment. The message also expressed hope that he would reconnect with fans at planned autumn 2026 shows.
That update now carries extra poignancy. It suggests that even while receiving treatment, he remained focused on returning to work and staying connected with his audience. No further medical details have been publicly confirmed by the family, and responsible reporting means stopping there.
For those following Latest News rather than rumour, the confirmed information is that he died after a short illness and was with his family in his final days.
Background: From Cookstown to national fame
Jimmy Cricket’s story began in Cookstown, where he was born James Mulgrew. His rise from local roots to national television fame gave him a special place in Northern Ireland News and wider Irish cultural memory. He was one of a generation of performers who built their careers through live stages, talent competitions and variety television long before social media transformed celebrity.
His career also reflected a style of entertainment now seen less often on mainstream screens: broad, accessible stand-up rooted in timing, character and audience rapport. That helps explain why his death is resonating beyond celebrity coverage and into broader Ireland News coverage today.
Why this story matters
- He was a major figure in comedy for several decades.
- He represented a family-friendly tradition in live and TV entertainment.
- He had strong roots in Northern Ireland, giving the story national significance across the island.
- Tributes from peers show the level of respect he commanded within the industry.
What happens next
Funeral arrangements and any memorial details are expected to be announced by the family in due course. As with many high-profile deaths, more tributes are likely from entertainers, broadcasters and fans over the coming days.
Broadcasters and archives may also revisit some of Jimmy Cricket’s best-known performances, introducing his work to younger audiences who know the name but may not have seen his classic routines. That would be a fitting continuation of a career built on bringing laughter to as many people as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jimmy Cricket?
Jimmy Cricket was a Northern Ireland-born comedian, actor and broadcaster whose career spanned stand-up, television, radio and pantomime.
How old was Jimmy Cricket when he died?
He died aged 80.
What was Jimmy Cricket famous for?
He was best known for his clean comedy style, his visual stage persona and the catchphrase “and there’s more”.
Where was Jimmy Cricket from?
He was born in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.
What did his family say?
His family said he died after a short illness, surrounded by love, laughter and songs, and remembered him as a joyful and devoted family man.
Conclusion
This Breaking News story marks the loss of a comedian who carved out a rare place in entertainment through warmth, faith and unmistakable comic identity. In the latest Ireland News update, Jimmy Cricket is being remembered not only for making audiences laugh, but for the affection and dignity that shaped his life off stage as well. For many readers following Breaking News Ireland, the clearest takeaway is simple: Irish and British entertainment has lost a distinctive voice, but the joy he created will long outlast the headlines.
