James Whale dies aged 74 after devastating terminal kidney cancer battle

Broadcaster James Whale, who was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000, has sadly passed after re-locating to a hospice and admitting he "feels at peace" in the facility

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Showbiz

Bekka Barnard Showbiz & TV Reporter and Sam Huntley Senior Showbiz & TV Reporter

14:54, 04 Aug 2025Updated 16:51, 02 Sep 2025

[James Whale in hospital ]

James Whale has sadly died at the age of 74 following his tragic cancer battle(Image: Instagram/ Nadine Lamont-Brown)

Broadcaster James Whale has died at the age of 74 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The TalkTV host had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer that had spread to his brain, spine and lungs. The broadcaster had recently moved to a hospice in Kent, where he was receiving end-of-life care.

James' wife Nadine confirmed his death to The Express on 4 August. She said: "James slipped away very gently this morning. It was a beautiful passing, and he left with a smile on his face."

TalkTV also shared a statement on social media that read: "We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today, aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer."

[The TalkTV host was diagnosed with terminal cancer that had spread to his brain, spine and lungs]

The TalkTV host was diagnosed with terminal cancer that had spread to his brain, spine and lungs(Image: Instagram/jameswhaleradio)

"As a broadcasting legend for over 50 years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family."

James was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and went into remission after undergoing treatment. However, in August 2020, he revealed that the cancer had spread to his spine, brain and lungs.

[James is best known for The James Whale Radio Show, which broadcast back in the 90s]

James is best known for The James Whale Radio Show, which broadcast back in the 90s(Image: PA)

The radio host had admitted he "felt at peace" in the hospice after being told he had just weeks to live. In a heartbreaking column for the Daily Express, he wrote: "What's surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since finally moving into a hospice near my home in Kent a week or so back.

"I began to feel better immediately. More positive. I feel at peace here, even though I'm not a religious person."

"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 and a lot of that is due to the people who work here, because they make dying as peaceful and pain-free as possible."

[Friends and fans have gathered online to pay tribute to the journalist]

Friends and fans have gathered online to pay tribute to the journalist(Image: Philip Coburn /Daily Mirror)

James' friend Eamonn Holmes recently updated fans on the broadcaster's health while presenting GB News and told the camera: "A friend of ours, James Whale, who I have been to see, is nearing the end of his life maybe this week."

Christopher Biggins added: "We went on Saturday to see him, and he looks terrific, I have to say, and it was great to see him but its his voice thats the trouble. The irony of being a journalist and using his voice on the radio brilliantly over the years, but now his voice is going."

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