TV stars and fans gathered at Salford Cathedral on Friday, August 21, for the requiem mass of Jimmy Cricket, the adopted Greater Mancunian who died on August 3 at the age of 80 following a short illness.
Known for his signature bowler hat, wellington boots and the catchphrase 'and there's more', Cricket became a TV staple in the 1980s with roles in Crackerjack! and The Good Old Days.
Comedy legends pay tribute
Among the hundreds estimated to have attended the service were Tommy Cannon, Syd Little, Freddie Davies and Stu Francis. Former Catchphrase host Roy Walker was also among the mourners, having recently described Cricket as a 'sincere wee fella.'
Dana Scallon, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland in 1970, performed the offertory hymn Lady of Knock during the funeral procession.
Many guests opted to wear bow ties, with some also wearing red corsages in memory of the star.
Family-led service
The service was led by Cricket's youngest son, Father Frankie Mulgrew, a former comedian himself who started the proceedings with a few jokes before leading the congregation in prayer.
He earlier told the BBC his dad 'found and joy and humour in everything.' He recalled his dad singing the Monty Python song 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' whilst seriously ill in hospital with sepsis before his death.
It was the dying wish of his dad, a devout Catholic, that his funeral was held at the cathedral.
Fans pay homage
Cricket was married to his wife May for 52 years and they had four children together. He was described as being a 'very silly grandad' to four grandchildren.
In a statement at the time of his passing, Cricket was praised for being his family's 'greatest champion' adding that he 'loved us all loudly.' His family said: “He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs. 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.”
Leon Woods, from Blackburn, attended the ceremony dressed in Cricket's famous attire, including the bowler hat and Wellington boots intentionally worn on the wrong feet. “I wanted to pay homage to him,” Leon said. “I wanted to dress the way he liked to dress, and I like to think that I would have done him proud by wearing this today.”
The two-hour ceremony ended with Cricket's coffin being led out by the congregation of Salford Cathedral's clergy, with attendees giving one final round of applause as he was walked out.
