‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’
Jimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that two Blackpool hotels which had closed are back in business.
Earlier this month, the famous funnyman had expressed his sadness that the Lyndene and sister hotel St Chads had shut their doors for the final time.
However, the Blackpool Gazette reports that the two hotels are ready to return to business, with their managers re-employed.
Jimmy has appeared regularly at the popular Lyndene over the past few years.
He said: “Wonderful news in these gloomy times for Blackpool and @LyndeneHotel and for all the staff at #TeamLyndene and St Chads Hotels!
“We were all hoping for a miracle! Great news!”
His performances at the Lyndene were limited during 2020 following the restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jimmy did his last show there in September before another lockdown again resulted in the closure of hospitality venues.
Owners the Fragrance Group announced the Lyndene and St Chad’s hotels will now be run by hotel management company RBH, which has taken over operations with immediate effect.
The hotels were shut suddenly with staff left unpaid on 3 February by operating firm Bespoke Hotels Group.
The Blackpool Gazette added that a number of staff made redundant will be offered employment soon.
It is hoped hotels will reopen this spring when lockdown restrictions are lifted.
The Lyndene and St Chads stand next to each other on the seafront.
Husband and wife team Paul and Claire Swift manage both.
Jimmy has had five seasons in total at the Lyndene, which starred as the Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.
Jimmy Cricket has expressed his sadness at the closure of two Blackpool hotels, including the Lyndene.