James Whale: The Voice That Shaped British Broadcasting Dies at 74

9 September 2025 Media

A Broadcasting Legend’s Final Chapter

TalkTV host and radio legend James Whale passed away peacefully on Monday morning, August 4, 2025, after a prolonged battle with stage-four kidney cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs, spine, and remaining kidney.

His wife, Nadine Lamont-Brown, announced his passing in a statement, sharing that he “died peacefully with a smile on his face, holding my hand.”

A Pioneering Career in Broadcasting

Whale’s remarkable journey began in 1970 when he founded the UK’s first in-store radio station at Top Shop in London’s Oxford Circus. His early career at stations in Middlesbrough, Derby, and Newcastle helped develop his provocative phone-in style, leading to his rise to fame. By 1982, his talent was recognized when he won local DJ of the year at the 1988 Sony Radio Awards.

The late 1980s saw The James Whale Radio Show become a cultural phenomenon on ITV, attracting millions of viewers and establishing him as a household name. His versatility led him to host various programmes for ITV, Sky, and the BBC, while continuing to make headlines, including during his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

Legacy Beyond Broadcasting

Whale’s battle with cancer began in February 2000 when he was first treated for kidney cancer. After opting for surgery without chemotherapy, he remained cancer-free for two decades. However, in 2020, the disease returned and spread to multiple organs.

In 2006, following his initial survival of kidney cancer, Whale established Kidney Cancer UK, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. His contributions to broadcasting and charity work were officially recognized in 2024 when he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

In May 2025, Whale announced the cessation of his treatment. Just before his passing, he released a final episode of his podcast, where he bid farewell to his listeners, saying, “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.”