Lancashire's Steve Royle's heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Cricket whose death has 'hit harder than most'
“Not only was he a brilliant comic and wonderful soul he was a great family friend.”
Lancashire’s own Steve Royle has paid tribute to Jimmy Cricket saying his death had ‘hit him harder than most’.
The TV favourite, who died on Monday, aged 80 after a short illness, enjoyed a long and successful career spanning television, radio and live comedy.
Steve, also famed for his comedy said how sad it was to hear of Jimmy Cricket’s passing and was finding it hard to put into words what he meant to him.
On his Facebook page he said: “Not only was he a brilliant comic and wonderful soul he was a great family friend.
“I was lucky enough to work with him many times including several gigs in the last few months.
“To be a guest in his 80th celebratory show at The Lowry last November was a true honour and I find it shocking to think that was to be his last birthday.
“I’ve shared long car journeys, family parties, celebrations and shows with him and I feel so blessed to have done so.
“Growing up he was a hero, I never dreamt I would one day be able to call him a friend. He could do jokes, dance, play saxophone, perform surreal visuals he really was a multi-talented man.
“He could also juggle but never did if I was working with him because he showed such respect.
“I’ll miss his total enthusiasm for his craft. I’ll miss is positive attitude on life (and indeed death).
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“I’ll miss his advice, his stories of comics old and new, I’ll miss his sincere concern for my family - always enquiring about the wellbeing of my wife and kids - and I’ll miss his silly home made Christmas cards every year.
“I last gigged with him earlier this year less than a mile from my house and in some way that gives me comfort knowing that every time I see that club I will think of the great man.
“Thoughts are with May, Dale, Katie, Frankie and the whole family. His faith was his rock and I’m sure heaven his welcoming him in wellies and all! RIP…sadly, there’s no “more”.
Jimmy Cricket spent many years entertaining audiences across Lancashire, becoming one of the county's best loved performers both on and off the stage.
His family announced his death on Monday, saying he passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by "family, love, laughter and songs". They described him as "a force for joy" whose famous catchphrase, "And there's more", reflected his enduring optimism and faith.