Who is James Whale? Veteran Broadcaster Opens Up About Terminal Illness

Veteran broadcaster James Whale, known for his decades of work in British radio and TV, has revealed he has only weeks left to live. The 75-year-old said he is “relaxed” and “ready to go” after receiving a 12-week prognosis for terminal cancer.

Whale, who first beat kidney cancer over 20 years ago, was diagnosed again in February 2020. This time, the cancer had spread to his kidney, spine, brain, and lungs.

Now nine weeks into his 12-week prognosis, James has stopped treatment. He recently recorded his final podcast episode, titled “From Almost to Always”, from a hospice, joined by his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown.

“I’m Quite Relaxed About It,” Says Whale

In his final podcast, posted on July 25, James said he’s losing his voice and strength. He signed off by saying, “Au revoir, not goodbye.”

He spoke about cherished memories with Nadine, including holidays in Antigua and Cornwall. James thanked fans for kind messages, saying he felt grateful for how much his work has meant to people.

“A lot of people get very upset when someone is going to die,” he said. “I’m the person who’s going to die and I’m quite relaxed about it.”

Who is James Whale?

James Whale is a well-known British broadcaster, with over 50 years in the industry. He has worked in:

• Radio: Radio Aire, talkSPORT (1995–2008), LBC 97.3, BBC, talkRADIO

• TV: Host of James Whale Unleashed

• Podcasts: Tales of the Whales (since 2013)

• Books: Author of Almost a Celebrity (2010)

He also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother (2016), and was awarded an MBE in 2024 and a TRIC Award in 2023 for his contributions to broadcasting and charity.

His Work Beyond Broadcasting

James founded the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006, now known as Kidney Cancer UK, the UK’s leading charity for kidney cancer awareness and support.

Boris Johnson Controversy

In 2012, James was suspended from talkSPORT for urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson in the London mayoral election—breaking Ofcom rules on political neutrality. He later withdrew a legal case against the station.