Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian known for his daft jokes and catchphrase “And there’s more!”, has died aged 80. He became a household name in the 1980s through numerous TV appearances and his own ITV show, And There’s More (1985-88).
A beloved clown
With his cherubic, beaming face and innocent demeanour, Cricket was an old-fashioned clown: stooped, guileless, and gazing around on stage as if he might find answers in the wings. He combined madcap humour with totally clean material, and was an uncynical, abstemious family man of deep personal faith.
His act included juggling, prop gags, and whole-hearted physicality. He could disarm tough audiences by gesturing “C’me ’ere” as he delivered jokes with conspiratorial bonhomie. His comedy had no victim and no agenda beyond making people laugh. Despite his old-fashioned material, his work ethic led him to constantly try new things and update routines with modern references.
Career highlights
In his heyday, he was rarely off TV, performing at the Royal Variety Performance in 1984 and seven times at the Children’s Royal Variety Performance (1983-93). His ITV show ran for four series, as did his 1990s BBC Radio 2 series Jimmy’s Cricket Team.
Born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, he was the last of six children of Philomena and Frank Mulgrew. After his father’s death in 1953, his mother worked various jobs, including at a Lucozade factory. Jimmy left school at 15 with no qualifications but a talent for making people laugh.
Early life and breakthrough
He took odd jobs while entering talent shows. In 1966, he became a redcoat at Butlin’s holiday camp in Mosney, County Meath, perfecting his craft. He spent the next decade at Butlin’s or Pontin’s, mixing odd jobs with gigs on the northern comedy circuit. He adopted his stage name from the Disney character Jiminy Cricket.
His TV breakthrough came in 1980 as runner-up in LWT’s Search for a Star. He appeared on shows like Crackerjack! (1982), Blankety Blank (1985), and The Generation Game (1996). He bought the costume from The Good Old Days (1981) and wore it thereafter. By 1983, he was headlining sell-out shows on the Isle of Wight.
Later years and legacy
In the 21st century, he continued with live work and pantomime, playing roles from Buttons to Baron Hardup. He was embraced by newer comics, featuring on Peter Kay’s Comic Relief video (2007), John Bishop’s Only Joking (2013), and Richard Herring’s podcast (2019). He supported emerging talent and praised comedians like Milton Jones and Tim Vine.
In 2012, he took a show to the Edinburgh fringe with Mick Miller. He was awarded a papal knighthood in 2015 for charity work, including shows for Francis House children’s hospice and support for Mary’s Meals. He made his home in Rochdale.
Still working in May, he was fully booked for 2026 and had a joke book planned, but was recently taken ill. He leaves his wife May, whom he married in 1974, their children Dale, Frankie, Jamie, and Katie, and four grandchildren.
