A host of legendary TV stars came to pay their respects as friends and loved ones said an emotional goodbye to adopted Greater Mancunian Jimmy Cricket. The comedy hero, known for his roles in Crackerjack! and The Good Old Days, died on August 3 at the age of 80 following a short illness. Known for his signature bowler hat, wellington boots and the catchphrase 'and there's more', Cricket became a TV staple in the 1980s. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter Originally from Cookstown in Northern Ireland, he had made Rochdale his adopted home in the later years of his life.
A celebration of his colourful life was held today (Friday, August 21) in the form of a requiem mass at Salford Cathedral, and a who's-who of the British comedy scene in the 70s and 80s were among the hundreds estimated to have attended. The likes of Tommy Cannon, Syd Little, Freddie Davies and Stu Francis all attended the service. Former Catchphrase host Roy Walker was also among the mourners. The Irish star had recently reflected on his time working with Cricket, describing him as a 'sincere wee fella.' Dana Scallon, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland in 1970, also took part in the funeral procession, where she performed the offertory hymn Lady of Knock.
Many guests attending the mass opted to wear bow ties, with some also wearing red corsages in memory of the star. The service was led by Jimmy's youngest son, Father Frankie Mulgrew. A former comedian himself, he started the proceedings with a few jokes before leading the congregation in prayer. He earlier told the BBC his dad 'found and joy and humour in everything.' He recalled his dad singing the Monty Python song 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' whilst seriously ill in hospital with sepsis before his death.
He said it was the dying wish of his dad, who was a devout catholic, that his funeral was held at the cathedral. Cricket was married to his wife May for 52 years and they had four children together. He was described as being a 'very silly grandad' to four grandchildren.
In a statement at the time of his passing, Cricket was praised for being his family’s 'greatest champion' adding that he 'loved us all loudly.' His family said: “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.” Leon Woods, from Blackburn, was one of the guests attending the ceremony and said he had once been invited by Cricket to join him on stage during a show in Bolton . “I went to see him perform once, and he asked me to come up on the stage,” Leon said. “I liked him a lot; he was a fantastic comedian.” Having opted to wear an outfit akin to Cricket’s famous attire, including his signature bowler hat and his Wellington boots intentionally worn on the wrong feet. “I wanted to pay homage to him,” Leon said of the decision. “I wanted to dress the way he liked to dress, and I like to think that I would have done him proud by wearing this today.” The two-hour ceremony ended with Cricket’s coffin being led out by the congregation of Salford Cathedral’s clergy, with attendees giving one final round of applause to the performer as he was walked out.
