Jimmy Cricket dead aged 80
The veteran comedian, whose clean humour and distinctive stage costume made him a household name, has died following a short illness, his family have announced.
Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80 after a short illness.
His passing, which emerged on Monday (03.08.26), brings to a close a career that made him one of Britain’s best-known clean comedians, with appearances on the Royal Variety Performance, television, radio and live stages across the UK spanning more than five decades.
Jimmy, whose distinctive stage persona featured cut-off evening trousers, a tailcoat, Wellington boots worn on the wrong feet and his trademark catchphrase “And there’s more”, died surrounded by his family.
His loved ones announced his death in a statement, in which they said: “Our beloved Jimmy 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. A devoted husband to May for fifty two years.
“A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren.”
They continued: “He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly. 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.”
The family ended their tribute by referencing Jimmy’s best-known catchphrase.
They said: “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 Northern Irish entertainer, who built his reputation in holiday camps before becoming a familiar face on British television, remained a much-loved figure in comedy long after his heyday, regularly appearing at live events and celebrating milestones in his career.
He was best known for his family-friendly comedy, with memorable appearances on the Royal Variety Performance, Bullseye, This Is Your Life and BBC Radio 2.
His career also included performing alongside entertainers including Paul Daniels, The Krankies, Brotherhood of Man and The Osmonds. Jimmy was also among the performers on the Comic Relief charity single of I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles.)
Born in County Tyrone, Jimmy began entertaining audiences in holiday camps as a teenager before joining Pontins in Southport and Morecambe in the early 1970s, where he honed the style that would make him a household name.
Jimmy’s television career included his own Central Television series, And There’s More, and the BBC Radio 2 programme Jimmy’s Cricket Team.
Away from the stage, Jimmy lived in Lancashire with his wife, May.
Together they had four children and four grandchildren.
