Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian whose trademark mismatched wellington boots and catchphrase made him a household name on British television, has died aged 80 following a short illness. Born James Mulgrew, he died in hospital on Monday morning.
Cricket's career took off in the 1970s after winning London Weekend Television's Search for a Star talent contest. His ITV series And There's More ran for four seasons, and he appeared on the Royal Variety Show, The Good Old Days, Bullseye and This Is Your Life. His stage name originated from his early work as a redcoat entertainer at Butlins holiday camps.
Married to his wife May for 52 years, he is survived by four children and four grandchildren. A Papal Knight of the Catholic Church, Cricket had recently posted that he was taking a health sabbatical and had planned to resume performing in autumn 2026. His son Frankie said his father asked for the last rites twice, "almost like he asked for an encore."