James Whale 'cries every day' amid 'last weeks of life' with terminal cancer
Broadcaster James Whale has said he has just 'weeks' left to live as he continues to battle terminal cancer and has admitted that he cries every day
Radio icon James Whale has made the heart-wrenching confession that he's in the final weeks of his life. The veteran broadcaster, 74, who first shared news of his stage four kidney cancer diagnosis in 2020, has faced a tumultuous journey since.
After a stint in intensive care last year, Whale's challenges mounted when his TalkTV show, which he co-hosted with Ash Gould, his former producer from their TalkSPORT days, was axed.
In a recent poignant update, Whale disclosed that his health had deteriorated further, leading doctors to cease treatment and warn him that making it to Christmas would be fortunate.
During one of his last broadcasts from home, Whale bravely told listeners: "I'm actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go."
Reflecting on his remarkable five-decade career, he mused, "Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we'll catch up for the last time."
While conversing with a caller named Paula, an emotional Whale confessed: "And I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it's a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you.
"I'm heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it's interesting because now everybody talks about it. Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don't feel that they're doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about.
"We do do, Nadine, my wife, or Lady W, as she's better known, and I do a podcast every week called Tales of the Whales. And if you're in a similar situation, I'm the one with it, she's the one who's got to put up with it."
Many users flocked to social media to express their sadness at the news about the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant. One said: "Wishing you peace, you're a brave man. Best wishes to you and your family."
Another shared: "Thank you for your service and may you live out the rest of your days free of pain and in comfort of knowing you'll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you and salute you sir."
And a third commented: "We disagree on my political issues James but I have always been grateful for your support on animal protection issues and have enjoyed our interviews over the years. You have dealt with your terminal illness with fortitude and dignity and a determination to squeeze the very most out of life. I wish you all the best in the days ahead my friend."
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Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
James Whale reveals he has just weeks left to live in tragic health update as he faces the final stages of his terminal cancer battle
James Whale has revealed he has just weeks left to live as he faces the final stages of his terminal cancer battle. The broadcaster, 73, is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs. The Talk presenter gave his viewers a heartbreaking update during his latest show, which he is filming from home. He said: 'I'm actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go. 'Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we'll catch up for the last time.' When a caller named Paula got in touch, he confessed how emotional he has been about his prognosis. He told her: 'I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it's a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you. 'I'm heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it's interesting because now everybody talks about it. 'Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don't feel that they're doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about.' Following the heartbreaking news, his viewers flocked to social media to share their condolences.. One penned: 'Thank you for your service & may you live out the rest of your days free of pain & in comfort of knowing you'll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you & salute you sir.' 'The world without James Whale will be a sadder place.'; 'You've been and are loved. Hold on to that thought.' 'You made a difference to a lot of people, it's more than most do. May your next journey be one of peace sir.' Earlier this month, he told viewers that things were getting 'very very difficult' and he had resorted to wearing make-up on the air to appear healthy. During a conversation with a guest who'd lost her husband to the disease James said: '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'. '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'. Last month the TV star admitted he would be 'exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas ' as he celebrated his 74th birthday with friends and family. Joined by fellow radio host Lizzie Cundy and his wife Nadine, James gave a health update while enjoying some drinks in the sun. Explaining that whilst he is 'feeling ok,' he admitted that it 'would be easier to have a heart attack' in a candid confession. When asked by Lizzie how he was doing, he responded: 'I'm feeling ok. As people know I'm not about to die, but well, you never know do you. 'I have had all my treatment so I'm giving you the low down on it.' James added: 'If I make it to Christmas I will be exceptionally lucky. Some times I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go.' He previously said he was 'at the end' of his cancer journey and there are 'no treatments left'. Making the announcement on his show, with his co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer and that his show may soon come to an end. He said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.' He added: 'I can't tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I've been doing it for 25 years!' Celebrity Big Brother star James spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid his terminal cancer battle. He was hospitalised with the flu and was later discharged from the ICU to recover at home. His relieved wife, Nadine, 59, told fans at the time: 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.' In 2000, James was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was told he had only three months to live. He underwent treatment and had surgery to remove one of his kidneys. Then, in 2020, he revealed that the cancer had returned and had spread to his spine, brain and lungs. James explained that he had chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after ending his treatment to focus on 'making memories'. He told The Sun a few years ago: 'This could be my last Christmas. Basically, I have to choose between the quality and quantity of life, and I've chosen quality so that I can have a good time and make great memories with my lovely wife, Nadine. 'I've had a good life, I can't complain. But I'm just gonna make the next months as entertaining and interesting as I can, which is all any of us can do.' Elsewhere in the interview, James heartbreakingly spoke about the struggles of his terminal cancer, admitting he doesn't want to 'go on forever' feeling as unwell as he does now. The TV personality also reflected on his married life with Nadine, saying he told her they should 'cool off' their romance when he was first diagnosed with cancer when they first started dating. He said: 'It was so unfair on her, so I said, 'I think we should cool it and not see each other', and she replied, 'Oh that's nice, so if I'd just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you wouldn't come and see me any more', so we carried on.'
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
James Whale reveals he's got ‘weeks to live' in emotional update on cancer battle, saying ‘I spend a lot of time crying'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAMES Whale has revealed he has just weeks left to live as he faces the final stages of his terminal cancer battle. The Talk presenter issued a heartbreaking update to fans in his latest show, which he is filming from home. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 James Whale has revealed he only has weeks left to live Credit: x/TalkTV 6 The presenter has been battling stage four kidney cancer for five years Credit: Instagram/@jameswhaleradio 6 He is a regular face on Talk Credit: TalkTV 'I'm actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go," James, 74, told viewers. 'Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we'll catch up for the last time.' Later, when a viewer named Paula called in, he confessed how emotional he has been about his prognosis. He told her: "I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it's a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you. 'I'm heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it's interesting because now everybody talks about it. Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don't feel that they're doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about." Fans were quick to share their sadness on social media following James's emotional news. One wrote: "Thank you for your service & may you live out the rest of your days free of pain & in comfort of knowing you'll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you & salute you sir." A second added: "The world without James Whale will be a sadder place." A third responded: "You've been and are loved. Hold on to that thought." And a fourth commented: "You made a difference to a lot of people, it's more than most do. May your next journey be one of peace sir." Talk's James Whale issues devastating health update as star says he's 'at end' of cancer journey and ending treatment James been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years. Back at the beginning of May, James told viewers that his condition had worsened, treatment was no longer working and he would "be lucky to make it to Christmas". He explained: "I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore." That same month, James celebrated his 74th birthday with loved ones. 6 Back in May, James told viewers on his show with Ash Gould that he was nearing the end of his journey Credit: X/@TalkTV 6 James and his wife Nadine celebrated his birthday last month Credit: Twitter/James Whale 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 her pal. 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 snap showed James surrounded by his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown, 59, TV producer Simon Withington, 48, and Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins, 72.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
James Whale reveals he's got ‘weeks to live' in emotional update on cancer battle, saying ‘I spend a lot of time crying'
JAMES Whale has revealed he has just weeks left to live as he faces the final stages of his terminal cancer battle. The Talk presenter issued a heartbreaking update to fans in his latest show, which he is filming from home. 6 6 6 'I'm actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go," James, 74, told viewers. 'Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we'll catch up for the last time.' Later, when a viewer named Paula called in, he confessed how emotional he has been about his prognosis. He told her: "I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it's a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you. 'I'm heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it's interesting because now everybody talks about it. Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don't feel that they're doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about." Fans were quick to share their sadness on social media following James's emotional news. One wrote: "Thank you for your service & may you live out the rest of your days free of pain & in comfort of knowing you'll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you & salute you sir." A second added: "The world without James Whale will be a sadder place." A third responded: "You've been and are loved. Hold on to that thought." And a fourth commented: "You made a difference to a lot of people, it's more than most do. May your next journey be one of peace sir." Talk's James Whale issues devastating health update as star says he's 'at end' of cancer journey and ending treatment James been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years. Back at the beginning of May, James told viewers that his condition had worsened, treatment was no longer working and he would "be lucky to make it to Christmas". He explained: "I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore." That same month, James celebrated his 74th birthday with loved ones. 6 6 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 her pal. 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 snap showed James surrounded by his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown, 59, TV producer Simon Withington, 48, and Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins, 72.
