James Whale, the pioneering radio broadcaster and former Celebrity Big Brother star, has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with cancer. His wife, Nadine, confirmed that he passed away peacefully earlier today, saying: 'James slipped away very gently this morning. It was a beautiful passing, and he left with a smile on his face.'
Whale was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000, leading to the removal of one kidney. In August 2020, after feeling unwell for around a year, he was told the cancer had returned and spread to his spine, brain and lungs. He continued to work and raise awareness for kidney cancer, founding Kidney Cancer UK in 2006 after his initial recovery.
In a statement, TalkTV said: 'We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today, aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer. As a broadcasting legend for over 50 years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family.' Fellow broadcaster Mike Graham paid tribute live on air, describing Whale as a 'companion, a provocateur and a good friend'.
Just a day before his death, Whale wrote a final column for the Daily Express, saying: 'I know I've reached the end of my life but I'm quite sanguine about it. Despite everything, I'm happy to go now.' He had moved into a hospice near his home in Kent, where he said he felt 'at peace'.
Whale's friend Eamonn Holmes gave a heartbreaking update earlier today, saying Whale was 'at the end of his journey'. Actor Christopher Biggins, who visited Whale over the weekend, noted that his voice was failing, but praised the hospice care. Whale is survived by his wife Nadine.
