Jimmy Cricket remembered as 'wonderful soul' as Lancashire venues and comedy stars pay tribute

Comedy stars and iconic Lancashire venues have paid tribute to the “wonderful soul” Jimmy Cricket who sadly passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026.

James Mulgrew, better known as his stage name Jimmy Cricket, died aged 80 following a short illness, surrounded by his family and “still cracking jokes until the very end”.

In a statement yesterday, the family paid tribute to the “devoted husband”, “wonderful dad to his four children” and “very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren”.

Jimmy lived in Lancashire with his family and was a familiar face at iconic venues across the county, including Preston Guild Hall, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Chorley Little Theatre and the Blackburn Empire Theatre.

Following the news there was an outpouring of heartfelt messages on social media, from organisations, venues and comedy friends.

Lancashire comedian and radio presenter Steve Royle said he was “hit hard” by the news, paying tribute to the “brilliant comic and wonderful soul”.

He said: “This one has hit me harder than most. So sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy Cricket. It’s so hard to put into words what he meant to me but I’ll try.

“Not only was he a brilliant comic and wonderful soul he was a great family friend. I was lucky enough to work with him many times including several gigs in the last few months. To be a guest in his 80th celebratory show at The Lowry last November was a true honour and I find it shocking to think that was to be his last birthday.

“I’ve shared long car journeys, family parties, celebrations and shows with him and I feel so blessed to have done so. Growing up he was a hero, I never dreamt I would one day be able to call him a friend. He could do jokes, dance, play saxophone, perform surreal visuals he really was a multi-talented man. He could also juggle but never did if I was working with him because he showed such respect.

“I’ll miss his total enthusiasm for his craft. I’ll miss his positive attitude on life (and indeed death). I’ll miss his advice, his stories of comics old and new, I’ll miss his sincere concern for my family (always enquiring about the wellbeing of my wife and kids) and I’ll miss his silly homemade Christmas cards every year.

“I last gigged with him earlier this year less than a mile from my house and in some way that gives me comfort knowing that every time I see that club, I will think of the great man.

“Thoughts are with May, Dale, Katie, Frankie and the whole family. His faith was his rock and I’m sure heaven is welcoming him in wellies and all!

“RIP…sadly, there’s no ‘more’.”

Comedians from the 70s and 80s variety heyday, Mick Miller and Bernie Clifton also paid tribute to the comedy icon.

In a post to Facebook, Mick Miller said: “Very sad to hear that my friend, Jimmy Cricket has passed away. Our thoughts are with May and the family.

“He was a very caring man and his faith was a major part of his life. We knew he wasn’t well, but it was a shock to find out he had passed. His family were his world and we are thinking about them all at this sad time.”

Also posting to Facebook, Bernie Clifton said: “How Sad! Terrible news!

“Jimmy Cricket has died. This lovely, lovely Man has left us far far too early.

“I am sending my love to May and family. I was aware of his illness but nevertheless so shocked to hear of his passing.

“I know the Family have a strong faith and I’m sure are becoming more and more aware of the Love and Respect he has from all of us who were lucky enough to work with him (Or even just to have met him).

“RIP Jimmy Cricket”

Liverpool comedian Ted Robbins also paid tribute to Cricket, referencing his catchphrase, “there’s more”, in a post on X.

He said: “I worked with him many times & he was one of the Last Great Comics a unique style, never blue just funny.

“I know he and all his family have a great Christian faith so maybe The angels will be saying ‘Come here Jimmy – there’s more’!”

Comedian Tim Vine described Cricket as a “lovely, inspiring, funny man” in a heartfelt tribute on X.

He said: “I have a great memory being at his home and he said ‘Do you want to hear my new song?’ I said ‘of course’. He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought ‘I hope I’m like this when I’m older’.”

Cricket left school at 16 and spent his summers working as Redcoat camp host at Butlins holiday camps.

Jimmy continued to entertain throughout his life and was also well known at many venues across Lancashire and the UK.

The Blackburn Empire Theatre, of which Jimmy was a patron, described him in a post to Facebook as “a very special member of the Blackburn Empire Theatre Family”.

While, the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool remembered how Jimmy had “entertained” the hotel’s guests for over 10 years.