TALKTV host James Whale MBE made a heartbreaking admission about his terminal cancer battle live on air during one of his last ever shows.
The veteran broadcaster – who has been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years – previously revealed that his show, co-hosted by Ash Gould, 53, would be coming to an end.
James has said he would be ‘lucky’ to make it to Christmas[/caption]
James was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2020[/caption]
James became an MBE in 2024[/caption]
Back at the beginning of May, James revealed that his condition had worsened, treatment was no longer an option and he “will be lucky to make it to Christmas”.
He told viewers: “I’m at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.”
During Friday (June 6th) night’s episode of James Whale Unleashed, the two presenters spoke to a guest who had been through cancer with her late husband.
James told her: “Until very recently, everything was quite normal for me, everything was fine, and then you do get to a stage like I am now, with things get to be very very difficult.”
He then added: “To anybody else who is in the final stages of cancer, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you’re going through, I do know, I look basically okay, I get told you look alright and I look okay, it’s all make-up.”
James’ comments were shared on X, formerly Twitter, where the star was inundated with support. One user penned: “My heart goes out to you Mr Whale. You are a fighter.”
A second person gushed: “I’m also stage 4 kidney cancer but you are a real inspiration. I seriously can’t believe how much better you look compared to 2 weeks ago!”
While another user wrote: “You’re amazing James! Keep showing the C who’s boss!”
In May, James chose to spend his 74th birthday in the company of his friends and family.
Lizzie Cundy, a contributor on his TALK show, shared a heartfelt tribute to Instagram from the intimate gathering.
She wrote: “Laughter is the best medicine … Birthday celebrations for my dear friend @jameswhaleradio with @lamontbrownnadine @charliem_obe @simonwi @whodathoughtit .. Happy birthday dearest James, we all love you so much.”
The post featured beaming smiles, with James surrounded by his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown, 59, TV producer Simon Withington, 48, and Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins, 72.
Posing for a photo at boutique Kent hotel, Who’d A Thought It, James wore aviator sunglasses and a white shirt for his big day.
Lizzie also shared some playful snaps from the hotel’s grounds, posing with a saxophone alongside Charlie.
James appeared in high spirits in a video posted by Lizzie too.
He cheekily asked her: “Who are you? Lizzie, I didn’t recognise you with so many clothes on.”
Speaking candidly on camera, James said: “I’m feeling okay. As people know, I’m not about to die – well, you never know, do you?
“I’ve had all my treatment. I don’t want anybody feeling sorry for me, I’m just giving you the lowdown.
“I think if I make it to Christmas, I’ll be exceptionally lucky.
“Sometimes I think it might be easier to just have a heart attack and go.”
As his wife joined him, Lizzie added: “People think of James as Mr Nasty, but he’s a little pussycat underneath.”
Nadine agreed: “No one’s ever been nicer to me than James.”
James also revealed his long-running programme could be coming to an end within weeks, as he reaches the final stage of his battle.
Lizzie Cundy made sure James enjoyed his 74th birthday[/caption]
James and his wife Nadine celebrated his birthday in May[/caption]
