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Billy Dainty

Gerry Kelly show hears how Jimmy’s showbiz dream came true 150 150 mhamer

Gerry Kelly show hears how Jimmy’s showbiz dream came true

Jimmy Cricket appeared on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly Show

Jimmy Cricket’s rise to fame was far from easy, the famous comedian told popular chatshow host Gerry Kelly.

Speaking on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly show, Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy revealed he had been rejected five times for talent shows.

But he went on to become a household name with his own television series.

The interview was broadcast last week and can be watched on YouTube here.

It also aired on the community channel NVTV and Sky Channel 588

One viewer said: “Watched your interview Jimmy – it was great.

“You are a real ambassador for where you were born – Cookstown and our province.”

The introduction to the Gerry Kelly show said: “‘Come ‘ere, there’s more’ – the catchphrase of one of Northern Ireland’s most successful comedians.

“Born in Cookstown, Jimmy Mulgrew went on to become one of the highest-paid performers in the UK.

Jimmy Cricket appeared on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly Show“Audiences came to know him as Jimmy Cricket, but his climb to the top of the entertainment world didn’t come easy.

“Rejection after rejection, disappointment after disappointment, forced to take a series of menial jobs, it was Jimmy’s self-belief and determination that eventually won through.

“A story of perseverance and strength of character, there is much more to Jimmy Cricket than a silly haunday  and a pair of wellington boots.”

The comedian had left secondary school with no qualifications and worked in multiple jobs around Belfast.

However, he continued to dream of a career in showbusiness.

“I used to avidly watch Sunday .

“I loved the comedian Billy Dainty and I got to do pantomime with him years later,” recalled Jimmy, who went on to perform at the Palladium himself.

Details on how to buy Jimmy’s autobiography and DVD can be found here.

‘Great privilege’ to be in 1984 Royal Variety Show 150 150 mhamer

‘Great privilege’ to be in 1984 Royal Variety Show

Hi folks! Nostalgic footage, the year was 1984 and I had the great privilege to be part of this great Royal Variety Show, present was the Queen Mum, Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

Jimmy Cricket has posted video of the 1984 Royal Variety Show in which he appeared.

The show took place on 19 November at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.

Guests included the Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

Northern Irish comedian Jimmy, now 74, posted a link to the footage on social media.

He said: “Hi folks! Nostalgic footage, the year was 1984.

“I had the great privilege to be part of this great Royal Variety Show.”

The Queen Mum, Princess Diana and Prince Charles attended the event.

Hi folks! Nostalgic footage, the year was 1984 and I had the great privilege to be part of this great Royal Variety Show, present was the Queen Mum, Princess Diana and Prince Charles

Other performers included singer/actor Paul Nicholas (pictured above with Jimmy).

Comedians Bernie Winters and Billy Dainty also starred.

The Royal Variety Performance, a televised variety show, takes place annually.

It raises money for the Royal Variety Charity, of which Queen Elizabeth II is life patron.

Senior members of the British Royal Family attend the event.

It is a live variety show, usually staged in a London theatre.

The event consists of family entertainment, including comedy, music and magic.

The charity assists those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry and need help.

In addition, it supports anybody who has been on the stage, in the wings, in front of a camera or behind it.

It also helps people who have worked in the support industries dedicated to entertainment.

Golden memories: Performing in front of Princess Diana

Find out more about the Royal Variety Charity on its official website