Who was James Whale? British TV presenter dies at 74 after battling cancer

James Whale, a longtime radio and television host from Britain, has died at age 74. His death was announced on August 4, 2025, by his employer, TalkTV. As per the reports by the Independent, Whale had been fighting advanced kidney cancer and died peacefully, with a smile, at home in hospice care near Kent. TalkTV shared a statement on Instagram, which reads,

"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."

His wife, Nadine Lamont‑Brown, said,

"James slipped away very gently this morning. It was a beautiful passing, and he left with a smile on his face."

James Whale's career and influence

James Whale began his radio career in the early 1970s at Metro Radio. He helped invent late‑night phone‑in radio shows that became very popular in Britain. In the 1980s, his show The James Whale Radio Show was also shown on ITV. Many people watched it, and he was a household name.

Over time, he worked with big broadcasters like ITV, Sky and the BBC. He also hosted shows on talkSPORT, LBC and BBC Essex. He even appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 and continued to have a strong presence in the media until his final days.

James Whale's illness, charity, honors and final days

The reports by the Independent also state that James was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000. He had one kidney removed and seemed to recover. Then, in 2006, he set up the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, which later merged into Kidney Cancer UK. He raised money and awareness for the disease.

In 2020, James shared that the cancer had returned and spread to his other kidney, his spine, brain, and lungs. That was stage four disease. He continued working while speaking openly about his condition and the pain he felt.

He said in May 2025 that he had stopped treatment and moved into hospice care. He knew he was “at the end of his cancer journey” and spoke calmly about that decision.

In his final podcast episode, recorded in hospice with his wife, he thanked his listeners. He said,

"Thank you for being a listener. I hope it helps in some way and who knows what’s next, so I can only say au revoir."

He was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for his services to broadcasting and charity. Whale described that honor as a high point in his long career.

James Whale's personal life

James Whale married Melinda Maxted in 1970, and they had two sons, James and Peter. Melinda died in 2018 from lung cancer. He later became engaged to Nadine Lamont‑Brown, and they married in October 2021, on his 70th birthday. Nadine stood by him through his final illness and cared for him until he died peacefully.

Whale once said he had dyslexia. Despite that, he became a strong broadcaster and writer. His memoir, Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night‑Time, was published in 2008. He also hosted many shows on TV, including Whale On, Dial Midnight, Central Weekend Live, and Talk About.

He leaves behind his wife, Nadine, and his two sons. People remember him for his bold voice, his care for cancer patients, and his long service in the media. For many listeners, he was not just a presenter. He was a friend in the quiet hours of the night.

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