Talk's James Whale issues devastating health update as star says he's ‘at end' of cancer journey and ending treatment
5
James Whale MBE says he's "at the end" of his cancer journey and ending treatment
Credit: PA
5
The veteran broadcaster has been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years
Credit: James Whale
The veteran broadcaster - who has been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years - shared the update on-air over the weekend.
Explaining that his condition has worsened, James said treatment is no longer an option.
With his co-host Ash Gould, 53, by his side, he told viewers: "I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore."
Reflecting on his career and legacy, he added: "I can't tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I've been doing it for 25 years!"
James explainied that recent ill health had taken its toll.
A severe bout of flu recently led to an intensive care stay, adding to the growing health concerns he faces.
Despite his condition, he remained composed and even joked: "It might actually be helping me, you never know, so I don't let that cloud my judgment – but on the medication I am on, I'm all over the place.
"I'm hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months but as soon as I can't do the show anymore, I won't."
Most read in News TV
For those seeking updates on his condition, James encouraged fans to tune in to
One of the country's most revered radio personalities, James has been in the business for no less than 50 years and, in 2023, received the first ever
'If I die tomorrow, I've had an amazing time', says TalkTV legend James Whale as he receives gong in New Year's Honours
He's helped countless others too, having launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006 - now known as Kidney Cancer UK - the nation's leading specialist charity of its kind.
Terminally-ill James previously told The Sun in 2023: "This could be my last Christmas," after deciding to come off chemotherapy.
James, who first defeated kidney cancer 20 years ago, had been receiving the aggressive treatment since a second cancer detection in 2020.
Nadine, who he affectionately calls Lady W, has cared for him throughout his health battle and meticulously keeps on top of his hospital appointments and prescriptions.
Cancer types, signs and symptoms
Everything you need to know about different types of Cancer
What are
Stomach cancer: Symptoms, causes, and treatments
What does a
What are esophageal cancer symptoms?
Is
How to tell the
5
He shared the update on his Talk show last night
Credit: Talk
5
James' wife Nadine has cared for him throughout his health battle
Credit: Twitter/James Whale
5
He's been in the business for no less than 50 years
Credit: Rex
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
12-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Lydia Bright slammed for ‘parent-shaming' as she shares medical advice online
TOWIE alum Lydia Bright has been called out for "parent shaming" after sharing medical advice online. The reality TV star, 34, came under fire following her latest Instagram post, which documented a day in her life as a busy mum. Advertisement 6 TOWIE alum Lydia Bright has been called out for 'parent shaming' Credit: Splash 6 It came after she shared medical advice online Credit: PA 6 Lydia linked the rise in ADHD diagnoses to an increased use of screen time Credit: Instagram It showed Lydia playing with her five year old daughter Loretta and cooking together while calling out the increased use of screen time among kids. The former TOWIE fan favourite admitted she was "far from the perfect parent" yet hailed the "routines" she sticks to with Loretta to keep her away from tablets, including "books before bed." Lydia partnered with organisation Health Pros for Safer Screens for her video, yet some fans took issue with one claim in which she linked increased screen time to a "27 per cent rise children struggling with speech and language." She added: "ADHD diagnoses have soared by 56 per cent and one in four 10 year olds are now living with obesity." Advertisement Fans weren't impressed with the link to ADHD, which is a common condition that affects people's behaviour. The disorder, which is often diagnosed in childhood, often sparks symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The ADHD Foundation reveals that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood conditions. One angry follower was quick to comment on Lydia's post and wrote: "Screens don't cause ADHD. The ADHD is already there, so tired of this false narrative just so you can post an ad. Inaccurate and offensive." Advertisement A second posted: "ADHD is genetic, this will make parents feel awful by saying that screen time caused it!" A third mused: "I have to comment but as far as I am aware ADHD isn't related to screen time, it's genetics." Lydia Bright reveals daughter, five, is still co-sleeping One then wrote: "Throwing ADHD in the mix is not good. The only reason ADHD diagnosis is up is because it's being recognised now unlike a few years ago they said it was bad parenting. "Please only post the truth it's important. I agree with you too many parents can you screen time and it's not good for children." Advertisement Another mused: "I'm sorry you haven't been given the correct information about ADHD having specialised and worked with children and young adults. "It's going to offend the hard working parents and guardians alike . ADHD isn't related to screens!" What is neurodiversity? You may have heard of autism and ADHD before. These conditions come under the umbrella term of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a term that refers to the natural variation in how human brains work. It is rooted in the idea that neurological differences, such as those associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome, and other conditions, are a normal and valuable part of human diversity rather than deficits or disorders that need fixing. Rather, society should find ways to be more inclusive and accommodating, such as in schools and the workplace. Here's a closer look at two of the key conditions: ADHD ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals focus, regulate their impulses, and manage their energy levels. Symptoms depend on the type; inattention causes challenges with focusing, organisation and time management, hyperactivity causes excessive energy or restlessness, and impulsivity causes a person to act without thinking or struggle to wait their turn. People can be predominately one type or a mix of the two and symptoms are varied and unique to individuals. While living with ADHD is challenging, people often find unique strengths within their condition, such as the ability to hyperfocus on something they find interesting, problem-solving skills and creativity. Autism Autism is described as a "spectrum" because it encompasses a wide range of traits and abilities. Common features include difficulty with social communication, such as reading facial expressions or tone, repetitive behaviours and routine, sensitivity to stimulation of the senses, e.g. bright lights or loud noises, and detailed, literal thinking. Autism can be challenging, including due to a lack of understanding. But there are key strategies to help those with it thrive. In her caption, Lydia offered more insight in her new collaboration. She wrote: "We're in the middle of a public health crisis that isn't being talked about. Ad* Advertisement "I believe so many parents aren't aware of the developmental, behavioural, physical, and emotional risks of excessive screen time in early childhood. "That's why I've teamed up with @healthprosforsaferscreens to help share the facts. This isn't about guilt tripping, we're all doing our best with the knowledge and tools we have. "But I believe that if parents really knew the dangers that would make different choices. "Which is why I think their free Summer of Connections e-book is a must-read for parents. Advertisement "It's packed with evidence, information and realistic ideas to help families reduce screen time and support new routines, rituals and healthier childhood development. "Head to my stories or bio to download. *Partnering with #healthprosforsaferscreens to raise awareness of screen harms." FAN SLAM Recently, Lydia was mum-shamed for admitting she still co-sleeps with her daughter instead of her partner. She previously came under fire over a sweet video she posted of her five-year-old little girl. Advertisement In the sweet clip, Loretta - whom she shares with her ex-boyfriend Lee Cronin - could be seen fast asleep next to her mum. However, some cruel trolls said she should not be letting her child sleep next to her, if she wants to find a new man. She was also mum-shamed after letting her daughter climb on plane seats. 6 Fans were quick to flag the condition is genetic Advertisement 6 Lydia told of the 'routines' she uses with daughter Loretta to reduce screen time in her new Instagram campaign Credit: instagram/lydiabright
The Irish Sun
11-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Luca Brecel reveals ‘I am suffering with health problems' with former world snooker champion missing since April
The Belgian won't have the opportunity to play again until September TAKING A BREAK Luca Brecel reveals 'I am suffering with health problems' with former world snooker champion missing since April FORMER snooker world champion Luca Brecel has announced that his absence from recent tournaments has been a result of health problems. Brecel has been absent from professional snooker in recent weeks, pulling out of qualifiers for both the Wuhan and British Opens, as well as the Championship League. 2 Former snooker world champion Luca Brecel has revealed a battle with health issues is the reason behind his absence from recent snooker events Credit: PA On Sunday he suddenly withdrew from his scheduled match at the Saudi Arabia Masters this weekend, citing 'medical reasons.' Now the Belgian Bullet has taken to social media to address his non-participation in the beginning of this snooker season. In a story posted to his Instagram account, he said: "Hi everyone, some of you might have been wondering why I am not participating in snooker events since April. "The truth is that I am suffering with health problems. 2 Brecel took to Instagram to update fans on his health struggles Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk "Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before. "It's been really frustrating to not be able to travel and compete in tournaments! "But... I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!" The 30-year-old was set to face Englishman Sanderson Lam in the third round of the Saudi Arabia Masters on Sunday, with Lam now receiving a bye. Details surrounding the nature of his health issues have not been released, but they are serious enough to prevent the snooker maverick from travelling to tournaments. It has been a tough few years for Brecel since he won the World Championship in 2023. BBC commentator spots moment Luca Brecel apologises to Judd Trump during epic World Snooker Championship quarter-final His last contest came in the quarter-finals of April's World Championships at the Crucible, where Brecel put up a valiant effort but fell 13-8 to world number one Judd Trump. His tournament performances last season saw him slip down to 39th in the World Snooker Tour rankings. His health absence has coincided with the first four events of the 2025-26 snooker calendar, meaning his campaign to reignite his past form has got off to a frustrating start. His next opportunity to play won't come until early September, when he could compete at the Xi'an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open qualifiers in Leicester. Whether he will be well enough to compete, or whether his health issues will continue to keep him out of the spotlight of the tour, remains to be seen.
Irish Daily Mirror
10-08-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two brothers will embark on an epic run from Mayo to Dublin for a special cause
Some people are just gluttons for punishment. When you listen to James Tolan (26) talk about the challenges he faced two years ago when he ran, with his brother Oisin (19), from Dublin to Mayo in just four days, yet they are planning to do it all over again, you'd stick them firmly in that bracket. But then comes the explanation for their latest foray into the world of ultra-running, later this month, and it starts to make sense. READ MORE: Ciara Mageean receives support on Camogie's big day at Croke Park Two years ago, the super-fit siblings raised a whopping €48,000 that they split between the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the St Francis Hospice. Their mum Elaine had battled with the wretched condition and they wanted to thank the organisations that helped give her as much comfort as possible in her fight. The Tolans would have run it again last year, but James had just become the father of twins, so neither the training needed nor the four-day stint away from home were achievable. Now, they feel the time is right to put themselves through another 230km of hell - this time with the route reversed, so that they finish at Castleknock GAA Club's grounds at Somerton. James admits that even family members are questioning the brothers' sanity. James and Oisin Tolan 'When I first proposed running from Dublin to Mayo,' he said, 'a lot of my family thought it was madness, don't do it, why put yourself through it, you don't have to, why not cycle instead? 'I considered it and I just thought, no, it doesn't match the battle that my mam had to go through. Doing it by foot, it felt like it meant a lot more.' This time around, they are raising funds exclusively for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, so that they can continue their great work supporting sufferers and their families. 'Our experience and our fight with Motor Neurone Disease ended when our mam passed away,' he said. 'But there are still people out there today fighting it, and we decided that, in a way, we owe it to them to go back out and do it again, especially with the amount of support we got the last time. 'So, why not do a round two and see what we can do this time. Can we make it bigger? That is the driving force behind doing it again. And of course IMNDA is a great charity. Elaine Tolan, mother of James and Oisin, who are running from Mayo to Dublin in her memory. 'It is an extremely tough disease, a horrible disease, extremely difficult to deal with, we don't know why it happens, and at the minute the best way to deal with it is by having a support system around you - careers, equipment, all this kind of stuff. 'It costs money, though, and IMNDA are able to help the families that are still fighting it today by giving them this support.' So what about the challenges that James and Oisin will face when they set out between August 26-29, on round two of 'Voyage4Elaine'? They are both keen Gaelic footballers and hurlers, so they have always been fit. But as anyone playing those sports will tell you, there are two types of fitness. They are one type and can deliver 80 minutes of short, sharp bursts of pace. Long-distance runners are the other, and the endurance you need requires a completely different style of training. 'Typically we would have been match-fit,' explained James. 'So, for us, it's all about getting in a huge amount of running. The pace isn't that important. 'Before we did the first Voyage for Elaine back in 2023, the furthest I'd run was 10k. And before that, I'd never run further than 5k. 'There are two elements to this - the mental side and the physical side. The physical side is getting your body used to running high volumes, one day after another. 'Then there is the mental side, and that is huge. Both of us are approaching this from the perspective of once we set out, we are going to do whatever it takes to get to the finish line.' The Tolans will be supported on their run by a couple of sponsors, including Nudie Foods, who will provide all the fruit they need to get through the four days, while Thirst will keep them stocked up on crucial electrolytes. They will need all the help they can get, as James can attest to from his first experience doing this challenge. 'The first time, I didn't know what I was getting myself into,' he said. 'Probably the biggest obstacle was, every time we stopped, my body felt like I was done, that I couldn't do any more. 'I remember finishing the second day and I thought to myself, I'm going to have to let my brother finish it. 'I'm not going to say anything to anyone, but in the morning I'm not going to be able to move, because I had all these pains in my legs and knees. 'When I woke up, the pain in my knees was gone, but I had these new pains in my feet, which were awful. 'Yet I was still able to get the next 10km in, just start running, just take it bit-by-bit. I think that was, in a way, even though it was the hardest part, my favourite part. 'Starting was always the most difficult. It always felt like you couldn't, until you started running, and then all of a sudden you were this new person again. 'Then when you'd stop for another break, and it would start all over again. 'Learning that you can take your body much further than your mind says is probably the biggest lesson I took away from the first run.' The Tolans would love to see members of the Motor Neurone Disease community at Somerton when they finish up on August 29. 'If there are people from the IMND community, people fighting the disease or family members, it would be great to have them down,' he said. You can donate to the Tolans' fundraiser here. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
