Who was Jimmy Cricket’s wife May and how many children did couple have?

COMEDY legend Jimmy Cricket has passed away aged 80 after battling a short illness. The Northern Irish star, who performed at several Royal Variety Shows, was always supported by his loving wife May. Comedian Jimmy Cricket has passed away at the age of 80 Credit: ANL Jimmy and his wife May pictured after she was awarded a master’s degree Credit: jimmycricket.co.uk Announcing the sad news, his Jimmy’s family wrote: “Our beloved Jimmy passed away this morning after a short illness. “He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “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. Most read in TV “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.” Born in 1945 in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Jimmy started working in holiday camps aged just 18. He went on to tour with artists including The Osmonds and Brotherhood of Man, and comedians such as Paul Daniels and The Krankies. Who was Jimmy Cricket’s wife May? May Mulgrew (née Tweedie) is an accomplished professional singer and academic. She first met Jimmy in 1972 at a Pontin’s holiday camp in Morecambe. May was working as a waitress and Jimmy was beginning his comedy career as a Bluecoat entertainer. Jimmy said of their first encounter: “When I bumped into May, she was wearing a Halloween mask – it was love at first fright!” They married in September 1974 and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2024. Throughout Jimmy’s extensive career in show business, May has been a constant source of support, frequently performing alongside him during his live tours under her musical stage name, May Marion. Beyond her musical talents, May has pursued serious academic achievements. She returned to higher education as a mature student, successfully earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in theology from Liverpool Hope University. After the graduation ceremony in 2013, Jimmy said: “Obviously this was a great occasion for May and I am really proud of her fine achievement.” How many kids did Jimmy and May have? Based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, May and Jimmy raised a family of four children. The kids inherited their parents’ passion for the entertainment industry. Their daughter Katie Mulgrew is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer. And their son Frankie Mulgrew works as a Catholic priest who also uses comedy in his ministry, having also formerly done stand-up. Jimmy and May also have four grandchildren. Comment now