Jimmy Cricket

James Joseph Mulgrew (17 October 1945 – 3 August 2026), known professionally as Jimmy Cricket, was a Northern Irish comedian. He came to prominence in 1980 when he finished as runner‑up in Search for a Star, which led to appearances on The Good Old Days and Crackerjack! and later to his own television and radio series. Known for his catchphrase "and there's more", he continued performing into his later years.

Early life Cricket was born James Joseph Mulgrew on 17 October 1945 in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, the youngest of six children of Frank Mulgrew and Philomena Mulgrew (née Conlon). Frank worked as an undertaker, publican, taxi driver and part-time auctioneer. After he died in 1953, Philomena took on several jobs to support the family, including work at the local Lucozade factory. produced by Central Television (also notable for including the first TV appearance by Rory Bremner); it ran for four series. Cricket also had his own radio series for BBC Radio 2 called Jimmy's Cricket Team, alongside the Krankies and Bobby Davro. Cricket appeared in numerous Royal Variety Performances. He also featured on numerous occasions on the BBC TV's long running TV show The Good Old Days. He also toured in the UK with other artists such as The Osmonds, Brotherhood of Man, and Gerry and the Pacemakers. He also toured in comedy themed shows with Cannon and Ball, Paul Daniels, Frank Carson, and The Krankies. In 2022, Cricket toured with Leah Bell in the Right Royal Knees Up Show for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Personal life and death Cricket met May Tweedie while working at Pontins in Morecambe in 1972; she was employed there as a waitress and performed in a singing act with her sisters. They married in 1974 and had four children and four grandchildren. His son, Father Frankie Mulgrew, said that the day before his death he wanted "the last rites twice, because like a good comedian he wanted an encore".

Tributes Northern Irish comedian William Caulfield called Cricket "one of the most generous and lovely people to work with", while comedian Ted Robbins said he was "one of the last great comics". Comedian and TV presenter Roy Walker called him a "sincere wee fella" who "loved everyone and everyone loved him". Actor Christopher Biggins also paid tribute, calling Cricket "unbelievably fantastic, I don't think I met a nicer man ever".

Honours On 18 September 2015, it was announced that Cricket had been awarded by the Roman Catholic Church, a papal knighthood (Order of St. Gregory the Great) from Pope Francis for his charity work.