Jimmy Cricket asked for last rites twice ‘like an encore’ before dying aged 80

By Lauren Del Fabbro, Press Association Entertainment Reporter

Comedian Jimmy Cricket asked for the last rites twice, “almost like he asked for an encore”, before his death at the age of 80, his son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, told the Press Association.

The Northern Irish stand-up comedian, born James Mulgrew, died on Monday morning following a short illness, a statement from his family said.

His youngest son, a former comedian who became a priest, Fr Mulgrew, described his father as being “like a light” and said he loved making people laugh.

Comedian Ted Robbins also paid tribute to Cricket, referencing his catchphrase, “there’s more”, in a post on X.

He said: “I worked with him many times & he was one of the Last Great Comics a unique style, never blue just funny.

“I know he and all his family have a great Christian Faith so maybe The Angels will be saying ‘Come here Jimmy – there’s more’!”

A statement posted on social media, Cricket’s family said: “Our beloved Jimmy has passed away this morning after a short illness.

“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.”

Cricket was married to his wife May for 52 years and had four children together, and was described as being a “very silly grandad” to four grandchildren.

The statement praised Cricket for being the family’s “greatest champion” adding that he “loved us all loudly”.

It continued: “He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian. What a life he lived.

“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.

“A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today.

“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.”

The Cookstown-born comic previously posted on his website that he was taking a “little sabbatical for health reasons” and had started treatment.

It added, however, that he would “catch up” with fans at string of shows in autumn 2026.

Comedian Tim Vine described Cricket as a “lovely, inspiring, funny man” in a heartfelt tribute on X.

He said: “I have a great memory being at his home and he said ‘Do you want to hear my new song?’ I said ‘of course’. He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought ‘I hope I’m like this when I’m older’.”

Cricket left school at 16 and spent his summers working as Redcoat camp host at Butlins holiday camps.

He went on to work the comedy club scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s, going on to win LWT’s Search for a Star talent contest before getting his own ITV show, And There’s More, which ran for four seasons.

He later fronted his own programme on BBC Radio 2 before appearing on the Royal Variety Show in the 80s and performing in a number of pantomimes.