Why it's trending
The trigger is the news of Jimmy Cricket's death, announced by his family via a social media post on 3 August 2026 and quickly covered by BBC, Daily Star, and Belfast Telegraph. The death of a beloved 80-year-old comedian, along with tributes from famous colleagues and the revelation that he had been working on a joke book, drove sudden search interest.
Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian known for his 'There's no More' catchphrase and distinctive wellington-boot stage act, has died aged 80 after a short illness, his family confirmed in a social media statement on 3 August 2026.
BBC and Daily Star both reported the family statement, which said Cricket spent his last days 'surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs' and was 'cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff' until the end. The Belfast Telegraph added that he asked for last rites twice 'like an encore' before dying. The accounts align across sources, with no reported contradictions.
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1945, Cricket left school at 16 and started as a Redcoat at Butlins in 1966. He rose through the comedy club circuit in the 1970s and 1980s, won LWT's Search for a Star, and eventually landed his own ITV show and BBC Radio 2 series. He was also a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church, a detail highlighted by his family in their farewell statement.
Cricket's death comes before the release of a joke book he had been writing, according to Daily Star. Tributes from comedians John Linehan, Tim Vine, and Ted Robbins emphasize his humility, kindness, and 'unique style, never blue just funny.' His family turned his famous catchphrase into a statement of faith, ending with 'And there's more.'
Timeline
- Born in Cookstown
Jimmy Cricket was born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, according to BBC.
- Started at Butlins
He left school at 16 and began the summer season as a Redcoat for Butlins, per BBC.
- Comedy club rise and TV success
He worked the comedy club scene, won LWT's Search for a Star, and later had an ITV show and BBC Radio 2 series, as reported by BBC.
- Death announced
His family announced he died that morning after a short illness, surrounded by family, via his Facebook page, according to Daily Star and BBC.
- Tributes and upcoming joke book
John Linehan, Tim Vine, and Ted Robbins paid tribute. Daily Star noted his death came before the release of a joke book he was writing.
Questions people ask
How did Jimmy Cricket die?
According to his family, he died aged 80 after a short illness. The family said he spent his last days surrounded by loved ones and was joking with NHS staff until the end, as reported by both BBC and Daily Star.
What was Jimmy Cricket known for?
He was known for his catchphrase 'There's no More' and his stage outfit: a battered bowler hat, tails, rolled-up trousers, and wellington boots with R and L on the front. BBC reported he became a household name in the 1970s.
Who paid tribute to Jimmy Cricket?
John Linehan (May McFettridge) called him 'so nice and so humble'; Tim Vine described him as a 'lovely, inspiring, funny man'; and Ted Robbins said he was one of the last great comics with 'a unique style, never blue just funny.'
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