Comedy legend Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 following short illness

The Co Tyrone-born entertainer, whose real name was James Mulgrew, was one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, delighting audiences for decades with his trademark wellington boots, catchphrases and family-friendly humor.

His death comes just weeks after he revealed he was stepping away from the spotlight for health reasons.

In a message posted to his website, Jimmy told fans he was taking a "little sabbatical for health reasons" after beginning treatment. The update added that he hoped to "catch up" with audiences at a series of shows planned for autumn 2026.

Confirming the sad news, his family shared an emotional statement celebrating both his remarkable career and the devotion he showed to those closest to him.

"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.

"He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly.

Timely advice from one my comedy heroes: “…Never take things for granted Ronan, because to you and I, a sock maybe just a sock, but to the old woman who lived in a shoe, it was wall-to-wall carpeting”. The words of the late Jimmy Cricket RIP. Thinking of May and the family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wOF8Lyai35

— Ronan Kelly (@RonanGKelly) August 3, 2026

 "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."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.