Comedian Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80 after a short illness, his family announced in a social media statement. Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1945, he rose from working as a Butlins Redcoat and on the comedy club circuit in the 1970s and 1980s to become a household name, winning LWT's Search for a Star contest and later hosting his own ITV show and a BBC Radio 2 series. His death has prompted tributes from fellow comedians who praised his humility, warmth and distinctive comic style.

The family said he had remained cheerful to the end, "cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff" and surrounded by love, laughter and songs, describing him as a lifelong "force for joy". Cricket was instantly recognisable for his onstage outfit of a battered bowler hat, tails and wellington boots marked "R" and "L", and for catchphrases including "there's more". Tributes came from comedians including John Linehan, Tim Vine and Ted Robbins, who all recalled his kindness, modesty and unique, family-friendly comic style.