The funeral of Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket took place at Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester on Friday, with television greats attending to pay their respects.
It was reported on August 3 that the 80-year-old had died, after he took a break from his tour due to a bout of ill health.
Former Catchphrase host Roy Walker, 86, was among the first to arrive at the service. He was joined by 88-year-old Tommy Cannon of Cannon And Ball fame, and 83-year-old Syd Little, most famous as one half of comedy duo Little And Large, who arrived with his wife Sheree.
Family pays tribute
A statement released by his family earlier this month confirmed he passed away in the morning after a short illness, spending his last few days surrounded by family, love, laughter and songs.
"Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years," the statement read. "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."
They described him as a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, May, a wonderful dad to his four children and a very silly grandad to his four grandchildren.
"He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly," they said. "He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand up comedian. What a life he lived."
The family noted he was cracking jokes to NHS staff and his family right until the end. They said his courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational, and the world is a far less sillier place today.
They added they were going to end with his famous catchphrase and say "There's no More", but noted he 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 statement said.
Pallbearers were seen carrying his coffin outside the cathedral.
Comedy stars attend
Other attendees included comedian and Crackerjack host Stu Francis, and John Henshaw, best known for his role as landlord Ken Dixon in Early Doors. Les Dawson's widow Tracey also arrived at the cathedral.
Comedian Katie Mulgrew attended the service with a friend, alongside John Linehan, who is known for his drag queen character May McFettridge. Brian and Maxine Warner, formerly of The Lemon Tree Band, attended together.
Fellow comedian Freddie "Parrot Face" Davies, who came to public notice in 1964 through the talent show Opportunity Knocks, offered a salute as he entered.
One floral note at the service called the comedian a good friend as a mourner reflected on their great fun together.
Freddie Davies remembers his dear friend
Following the death, Davies paid tribute by calling his fellow Butlin's Redcoat a dear friend whom he was in contact with many times over the years.
Davies said their paths crossed many times, noting that in 2023 he asked him to join the show Legends of Variety, but he was too busy doing his own show.
"The Christmas of 2014 I was asked to direct Snow White," Davies said. "At the Charter Theatre Preston, Jimmy was the star of the show. He was a delight to work with and his gentle comedy was a relaxing change. One always felt comfortable in his company."
Davies noted his adoring wife May was always at his side, and he lovingly referred to her as Mrs. Cricket.
He said the last time he saw him was at a Ken Dodd memorial lunch in Liverpool last December, where he had the packed audience in hysterical laughter with his wonderful Irishness.
Davies called him a true funny bones comic and a throwback to variety days, adding: "I will miss you Jim, god bless you and RIP."
Papal knighthood and career
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown in County Tyrone, the entertainer became a household name in the 1970s.
He was renowned for his catchphrases "And there's more!" and "Come closer!", and famously wore Wellington boots marked with L and R on the wrong feet.
He toured the UK with artists including The Osmonds and Brotherhood of Man, and comedians including Paul Daniels and The Krankies. His show And There's More was produced by Central Television, and he later had his own BBC Radio 2 series called Jimmy's Cricket Team.
Other notable television appearances include Bullseye in 1984, being the subject of This Is Your Life, and performing in the Comic Relief cover of Im Gonna Be (500 miles).
In 2015, he was awarded the Roman Catholic Church's highest honour by Pope Francis. He revealed the honour came right out of the blue.
He said: "The parish priest arrived and took out this certificate, it was a papal knighthood and it was in Latin. I thought: 'He's got the wrong fella here, is he sure it's not the neighbour?'"
He said he was humbled and honoured by the recognition, adding: "I do what I love. If I can raise money by entertaining people, sure it's not hard work. To get an honour for doing something that you love is quite a blessing."
Earlier this year, he told fans on his website that he was taking a sabbatical to undergo treatment for health reasons.
"Hi there my friends," he wrote. "I have to take a little sabbatical for health reasons and have started treatment, so I hope to catch up with you all via live performances in the Autumn of 2026."
