The funeral of Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket took place on Friday as Roy Walker joined fellow entertainers at Salford Cathedral.
The funeral followed Jimmy Cricket’s death at the age of 80 after a short illness. News of his death emerged on August 3, after he had stepped away from touring to receive treatment for health reasons.
Former Catchphrase presenter Roy was among the first mourners to arrive at the cathedral, according to MailOnline. Tommy Cannon, who found fame in comedy double act Cannon and Ball, also attended the service.
Syd Little arrived with his wife Sheree. The comedian became a household name as one half of Little and Large.
Jimmy’s son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, lead the requiem Mass on Friday.
Roy Walker leads stars paying tribute to Jimmy Cricket at funeral
Other familiar faces included Crackerjack presenter Stu Francis and Early Doors actor John Henshaw.
Freddie “Parrot Face” Davies saluted as he entered the cathedral. John Linehan, known for his drag character May McFettridge, also attended, alongside comedian Katie Mulgrew and performers Brian and Maxine Warner.
The order of service featured a smiling picture of Jimmy. His family had announced his death with an emotional statement earlier in the month.
They said: “Our beloved Jimmy has passed away this morning after a short illness. He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs.”
The family celebrated the happiness he brought to audiences across the stage, television and radio. However, they said that meant nothing compared with the joy he gave them at home.
Jimmy spent 52 years married to his wife May. He also leaves four children and four grandchildren.
His family added: “Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end.”
Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Jimmy’s daughter Katie said: “We are heartbroken but he was pure joy and we just wanted to tip our bow ties to him.”
The family had requested mourners to wear bow ties in a nod to one of Jimmy’s props.
Jimmy Cricket’s comedy career and famous catchphrases
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Jimmy started his entertainment career as a Butlin’s Redcoat. He rose to national fame during the 1970s and became known for his gentle comedy, distinctive Wellington boots and the catchphrases “Come closer!” and “And there’s more!”
His television series And There’s More came from Central Television. He later fronted the BBC Radio 2 series Jimmy’s Cricket Team.
Jimmy also appeared on Bullseye and This Is Your Life.
Jimmy Cricket’s faith and papal knighthood
Jimmy received a papal knighthood from Pope Francis in 2015. At the time, the comedian said the recognition had come “right out of the blue” and left him feeling “humbled and honoured”.
His Catholic faith also featured in his family’s farewell. They explained that Jimmy did not view death as the end and used his best-known catchphrase to close their statement: “And there’s more.”
His family described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved people and remained committed to making them laugh throughout his final illness.
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