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Tributes have poured in for legendary broadcaster James Whale, who has died aged 74 following a long battle with kidney cancer.
Whale, best known for his no-nonsense style and sharp wit, passed away surrounded by loved ones. His wife Nadine, whom he married in 2021, and his two sons, James and Peter, were by his side in his final days.
James was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000. At the time, doctors gave him just three months to live. Defying the odds, he underwent surgery to remove one of his kidneys and went on to make a remarkable recovery.
In 2006, determined to help others facing the disease, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, which funded research and raised awareness nationwide.
Sadly, his cancer returned in 2020 and spread to his spine, brain, and lungs. Despite the devastating prognosis, James remained remarkably open about his condition, sharing updates with fans and encouraging others to get checked early.
Speaking about his illness, he once said:
“You have to take every day as it comes. I’ve been lucky to live long enough to see my children grow and to have found love again. That’s a gift.”
James credited his second wife Nadine with giving him the strength to keep fighting. The pair wed in a romantic ceremony at Tenterden Town Hall in Kent, and she remained his greatest support until the end.
In April 2024, he was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity, a fitting tribute to a man whose career spanned over five decades.
Born in Surrey in 1951, James began his broadcasting journey in 1974 at Metro Radio, where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in. By the 1980s, he had become a household name thanks to The James Whale Radio Show, which quickly gained a loyal audience for its frank discussions and dry humour.
Over the years, James became a fixture of British broadcasting, spending 13 years at TalkSport before moving to LBC and later hosting the breakfast show on BBC Essex. He also fronted Whale On, Dial Midnight, Central Weekend Live for ITV, and Talk About for BBC One.
His outspoken nature made him a compelling, and sometimes controversial, figure, but it was also what endeared him to fans. Whether discussing politics, pop culture, or everyday life, James brought his trademark honesty to every conversation.
In 2016, he introduced himself to a whole new audience by appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, where he famously clashed with fellow housemate Saira Khan.
Beyond his professional achievements, James will be remembered for his tireless charity work, his love for his family, and his determination to keep broadcasting even as his health declined.
Tributes have been flooding in from across the media industry, with colleagues describing him as a “trailblazer,” “a one-off,” and “one of the greats of British radio.”
