Mourners are gathering at Salford Cathedral this afternoon for the funeral of legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket, who died earlier this month at the age of 80.
The performer, born James Mulgrew, passed away on August 3 following a short illness. Originally from Cookstown in Northern Ireland, he had made Rochdale his adopted home in his later years.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Known for his signature bowler hat, wellington boots and the catchphrase 'and there's more', Cricket became a TV staple in the 80s, with roles in Crackerjack! and The Good Old Days.
He was given his own show in 1985, named after his iconic catchphrase And There's More, which ran for four series. He also had a BBC Radio 2 show called Jimmy's Cricket Team and regularly made pantomime appearances.
Tributes and Family Statement
In tributes following his passing, Roy Walker described him as a 'sincere wee fella', while Christopher Biggins called Cricket 'unbelievable fantastic', adding that he didn't think he had 'met a nicer man ever'.
In a statement, Cricket's family said the artist, who was a devout Catholic, was their 'greatest champion' and that he 'loved us all loudly'. His youngest son, Father Frankie Mulgrew, a former comedian who became a priest, said the comic had asked for the last rites twice, "almost like he asked for an encore", before he died.
Funeral Details
Cricket's family have invited fans to celebrate his life at a requiem mass at Salford Cathedral, which is set to take place from 1.30pm today (August 21). The ceremony is set to be attended by many of the star's family and famous friends.
In 2007, he was one of the comedy icons to appear in the music video for Peter Kay and Matt Lucas' Comic Relief cover of The Proclaimers' hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).
