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Comedian Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 after brief illness

Monday, 3 August 2026 16:26

By David Murphy

Comedian Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80 after a brief illness, his family has announced.

Jimmy Cricket, whose real name was James Mulgrew, enjoyed a career in entertainment spanning more than 50 years.

His family announced his death in a statement, saying, "Our beloved Jimmy passed away after a short illness. He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs."

They added, "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."

The statement described him as "a devoted husband to May for fifty two years", "a wonderful dad to his four children" and "a very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren."

His family also said he continued joking with hospital staff until the end.

"Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end. His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational."

They concluded the tribute by referencing his well known catchphrase.

"We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, 'There's no More'.

"But Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really... And there's more."

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