• See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source

Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket's funeral took place at Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester on Friday and TV greats showed up to pay their respects.

Jimmy died aged 80, it was reported on August 3, after taking 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 funeral, held in Salford.

He was joined by the likes of Tommy Cannon, 88, of Cannon And Ball fame and Syd Little, 83, most famous for being one half of comedy duo, Little And Large.

Jimmy, who found fame in the 70s, had previously posted a note on his website read: 'I have to take a little sabbatical for health reasons and have started treatment.'

Jimmy was renowned for his catchphrase 'And there's more! and Come closer!' and famously wore Wellington boots marked with L and R on the wrong feet.

Catchphrase star Roy Walker led mourners as Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket's funeral took place in Greater Manchester on Friday - with TV greats showed up to pay their respects

Syd Little, most famous for being one half of comedy duo, Little And Large, was joined by his wife Sheree as they made their way into Salford Cathedral

Tommy Cannon, of Cannon And Ball fame, was also seen making his way into the cathedral

Mourners were seen carrying a Funeral Order of Service that showed Jimmy beaming. He died aged 80, it was reported on August 3, after taking a break from his tour due to ill health

But earlier this month, a statement released by Jimmy's family read: '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...

'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...

'A devoted husband to May for fifty two years. A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren...

'He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly. He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand up comedian. What a life he lived...

'Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end...

'His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today...

'We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, "There’s no More". But Jimmy 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.'

Comedian and Crackerjack host Stu Francis was seen arriving at the funeral

John Henshaw, best known for his roles as Ken Dixon the landlord in Early Doors attended

Les Dawson's widow Tracey was seen arriving at the cathedral

Jimmy's good friend and fellow comedian Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies paid tribute at the time, saying: 'Jimmy Cricket (James Mulgrew) was a dear friend and we were in contact many times over the years. Jimmy started like me, as a Butlin Redcoat...

'Our paths crossed many many times over the years. In 2023 I asked him to join us for 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." 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. His adoring wife May was always at his side and he lovingly referred to her as Mrs. Cricket...

'The last time I 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...

'He was a true funny Bones comic, a throw back to Variety days. I will miss you Jim, god bless you and RIP.'

Born in Cookstown in County Tyrone, the former Butlin's red coat entertainer, whose real name is James Joseph Mulgrew, became a household name in the 1970s.

In 2015, Jimmy was awarded the Roman Catholic Church's highest honour by Pope Francis and revealed the honour came 'right out of the blue'.

Freddie Davies came to public notice in 1964 through the talent show Opportunity Knocks and offered a salute as he entered the cathedral

Brian and Maxine Warner formerly from The Lemon Tree Band, attended together

Comedian Katie Mulgrew (right) and a friend attended the service

John Linehan, known for his drag queen character May McFettridge, was in attendance

Mourners gathered outside Salford Cathedral ahead of paying their respects

Jimmy toured the UK with artists including The Osmonds, 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 radio series for BBC Radio 2 called Jimmy’s Cricket Team.

Other notable TV appearances include Bullseye in 1984, being the subject of This Is Your Life and as one of the performers in the Comic Relief cover of Im Gonna Be (500 miles).

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.

'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.'

Jimmy told fans on his website that he was taking a sabbatical to undergo treatment for 'health reasons' earlier this year.

He wrote: 'Hi there my friends. 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.'