For decades, radio legend James Whale has been a steady voice in the lives of late-night listeners across the UK. Known for his wit, honesty, and unique no-nonsense style, James built a broadcasting legacy that few can rival.
But now, at 73, that unmistakable voice is preparing to sign off—possibly for the last time.
James Opens Up About His Health: “I’m at the End of My Cancer Journey”
In a moving and emotional update on his TalkTV show, James announced that he’s reached the final stages of his long and brave cancer battle.
Joined by his longtime co-host Ash Gould, James shared that there are no more treatment options available.
His stage four kidney cancer, which has now spread to his spine, brain, and lungs, has left doctors with nothing more they can do medically.
“I’m at the end of my cancer journey,” he said, keeping his trademark dry humour intact even in the face of heartbreaking news.
“There is no treatment I can have anymore.”
He added that while the news is tough, he’s thankful to have spent 25 years behind the microphone and still gets to sit next to Ash—even if Ash is, in his words, “a pain in the butt.”
Illness, ICU and the Fight to Keep Going
James’s recent health scare—a severe case of flu—landed him in intensive care over Christmas.
He spent the holiday season in hospital, battling Influenza A, before being released to recover at home.
His wife, Nadine, was by his side throughout and shared the good news with fans: “Our hero is home for New Year’s Eve.”
James, ever the fighter, managed to bounce back from the ICU stay.
“It might actually be helping me, you never know,” he joked about his medication.
But he didn’t sugarcoat things: he knows time is limited.
“I’m hoping to go on for another few weeks, a few months… but as soon as I can’t do the show anymore, I won’t.”
A Life of Broadcasting and an MBE to Mark the Journey
Earlier this year, James was honoured with an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity, a recognition that deeply moved him.
Dressed in a smart navy suit, flanked by his elegant wife Nadine in a white dress and pale blue coat, he attended the ceremony with pride.
Reflecting on the honour, James said: “Nobody could have been more surprised than me.
I’ve worked since the 70s… This is for all of us.”
His charity, Kidney Cancer UK, which he founded, celebrated the moment proudly, calling him their “Lifetime President.”
A Career That Broke Boundaries and Changed Late-Night Radio
James Whale began his radio journey back in 1974 with Metro Radio, pioneering the late-night phone-in show format.
He rose to national fame in the 1980s with The James Whale Radio Show, admired for his blunt honesty and sharp humour.
His influence stretched across stations—from TalkSport to LBC and BBC Essex—and across television too, with shows like Whale On, Dial Midnight, and Central Weekend Live.
His voice became a mainstay in British broadcasting, earning him not just fans, but deep respect from the industry.
Finding Love Again and Choosing to Live with Purpose
James lost his first wife, Melinda, to lung cancer in 2018 after 48 years of marriage.
The couple shared two sons, James and Peter, and were grandparents to Oscar and Ella.
When he met Nadine, he never expected to fall in love again—especially while living with a terminal illness.
Early on in their relationship, James tried to push her away for her own sake.
“It was so unfair on her,” he recalled.
“But she stood her ground.”
They married in a heartfelt ceremony at Tenterden Town Hall in October 2021, choosing love and companionship in the face of uncertainty.
Embracing the End with Gratitude and Grace
Despite his diagnosis, James has made the conscious decision to focus on quality of life rather than chasing time. “I’ve had a good life, I can’t complain,” he said.
“I just want to make the next few months as entertaining and interesting as I can.”
Whether he’s reflecting on his career, his marriage, or his legacy, one thing is clear: James Whale is facing the end with courage, humour, and dignity—just as he lived his extraordinary life.