Family, friends, fellow performers and admirers of veteran comic Jimmy Cricket assembled at Salford Cathedral on 21 August 2026 to pay their respects to the Northern Ireland-born entertainer. The comedian, whose real name was James Joseph Mulgrew, passed away on 3 August aged 80 following a short illness. His son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, who serves at the cathedral, led the requiem Mass in a deeply personal tribute to his father's life and legacy.
Many attendees honoured the family's request to wear bow ties, a nod to one of his signature stage props. His trademark wellies and bowler hat were positioned at the cathedral entrance alongside a book of condolence, serving as a visual reminder of the character that made him a household name across Britain.
According to family statements, Cricket spent his final days "surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs," maintaining his characteristic humour until the very end. Even in hospital, he continued to embody the spirit that defined his career, at one point singing the Monty Python classic "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" to those gathered around him.
Fr Mulgrew drew laughter from mourners early in the service with a touching anecdote about his relationship with his father.
For 10 years I was dad's road manager so I have seen him die before and rise again.He continued with characteristic warmth,
When I entered seminary he said he was willing to sacrifice having grandchildren so it's worked pretty well for him as he got a Papal Knightood and a cheap funeral.
Who attended the funeral?
A remarkable gathering of entertainment figures from across the decades attended the service. Among the veteran comedians present were Roy Walker, who hosted the game show Catchphrase; Stu Francis, known for presenting Crackerjack; Freddie "Parrot face" Davies, celebrated from Opportunity Knocks; and Syd Little, the surviving member of the comedy duo Little and Large. John Linehan, a fellow Northern Irish comedian who had performed alongside Cricket in pantomime productions in Belfast, also travelled to pay his respects.
Family friend Leon Woods attended dressed as the comedian himself, a touching tribute that captured the spirit of celebration the family sought to bring to the occasion.
Two of Cricket's daughters, Jamie, aged 46, and Katie, aged 41, were among the immediate family members present throughout the service.
What was Jimmy Cricket's career path?
Born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Cricket eventually settled in Greater Manchester, spending much of his life in Rochdale before his death. He left school at 16 and worked summers as a Redcoat camp host at Butlins holiday camps, where he developed his performance skills. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he became a fixture on the comedy club circuit, building a devoted following through his distinctive character and catchphrase "And there's more!"
His breakthrough came when he won LWT's Search for a Star talent contest, leading to his own ITV series, And There's More, which ran for four seasons and cemented his status as a household name during the 1970s. According to , his impact on British entertainment during this era remained significant throughout his life.
What honours did he receive?
In recognition of his contributions to entertainment and charity work, Cricket was awarded a Papal Knighthood in 2016, an honour that reflected both his professional achievements and his charitable endeavours. Francis House Children's Hospice noted that Cricket had long supported the charity and helped raise thousands of pounds through fundraising tours, demonstrating his commitment to causes beyond his own career.
How did the funeral conclude?
Following the requiem Mass, the family organised an "open mic" wake where attendees could sing and tell jokes, transforming the traditional wake into a celebration of laughter and performance—the very essence of Cricket's life and work. This decision reflected his son's observation that Cricket maintained his sense of humour and joy throughout his final days, wanting, as family tributes suggested, an encore to his life story.
Key Facts
- Jimmy Cricket (James Joseph Mulgrew) died on 3 August 2026 aged 80 following a short illness
- His funeral took place on 21 August 2026 at Salford Cathedral, led by his son Fr Frankie Mulgrew
- He became a household name in the 1970s and was known for his catchphrase "And there's more!" and signature props including bow ties, wellies and a bowler hat
- He won LWT's Search for a Star and went on to present his own ITV series, And There's More, which ran for four seasons
- He was awarded a Papal Knighthood in 2016 and supported Francis House Children's Hospice through fundraising efforts
