Latest news with #JamesWhale
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
All the Spooky Details We Loved at Epic Universe's Darkmoor
Universal Studios Orlando's Epic Universe is now open, and its horrors are loose in the Dark Universe. To Universal Monsters fans, the Dark Universe is everything we've wanted to see come alive in a horror theme park dedicated to the terrifying and strange. Without the films, there would be no Universal Pictures or the first Universal Studios theme park, for that matter. Epic Universe's Darkmoor is a monument to the monster legacy at the studio, and it's befitting of all the creature comforts in store for fans. The moment you enter, Danny Elfman's score for the land echoes through the nooks and crannies of the cobblestone streets and bounces off the brick buildings. You'll see little homages to various characters, such as Dr. Jekyll's Apothecary, which we wish was a real shop. There's a number of walk around characters that share the lore of the monsters, and you might run into the bandaged form of the Invisible Man, or even the Bride and the Monster. On the attractions, the first monsters of the franchise including the Hunchback of Notre Dame (look up when the bell tolls) and the Phantom of the Opera make their presence felt. The haunting worlds of original films are canon but do get expanded on in intriguing ways. When you meet the Monster you find out he's just the Bride's friend, and the experiment from the James Whale movie she was made for lies dead in the queue of Monsters Unchained. To really get the sense of what those stories would have evolved to in the modern day, you actively have to pay attention to all the small details. When you get there, Ygor asks you to volunteer to help Victoria Frankenstein bring glory back to the family name on her quest to control Dracula (yeah, good luck sis). And even the vampire familiars at Das Stakehaus echo the sentiment that there's no tying that undead man down. Over at the Burning Blade Tavern ,you get more about the villagers' sentiments about who the real monsters are in Darkmoor: the creations or the humans who seek to overpower them? I wish I'd been able to spend more time in the area to talk to every performer to get as much lore out of them as possible because it's dense. And we only got a few hours there to gather as much spooky intel as possible and try the food and do the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. I am already itching to go back! To an extent, for the casual theme park fan, it might be a bit much to really wrap their heads around when they ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. You do get to see that Victoria has continued the work of her family name in many ways including making her own version of the monster. But there's also video clips that play of her and Ygor capturing the Creature From the Black Lagoon and the Wolf Man—there might be more clips but we went through the queue rather quickly. I imagine that she thinks that by making some sort of Monster Squad she'll live up to her family reputation but might be in over her head. We can't wait to see how the world continues to grow as more people visit Darkmoor. Check out the gallery below to get a taste of the fun details and Easter eggs! Epic Universe is now open at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations were provided for the purposes of this review.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Presenter James Whale celebrates heartbreaking ‘last birthday' surrounded by loved ones after stopping cancer treatment
PRESENTER James Whale MBE celebrated his 'last birthday' surrounded by loved ones today after stopping his cancer treatment. James, 76, who has been courageously battling stage 4 kidney cancer since 2020, chose to spend the poignant milestone in the company of his friends and family. 8 Lizzie Cundy, a contributor on his TALK show, shared a heartfelt tribute to Instagram from the intimate gathering. She wrote: 'Laughter is the best medicine … Birthday celebrations for my dear friend @jameswhaleradio with @lamontbrownnadine @charliem_obe @simonwi @whodathoughtit .. Happy birthday dearest James, we all love you so much.' The post featured beaming smiles, with James surrounded by his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown, 59, TV producer Simon Withington, 48, and Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins, 72. Posing for a photo at boutique Kent hotel, Who'd A Thought It, James wore aviator sunglasses and a white shirt for his big day. Lizzie also shared some playful snaps from the hotel's grounds, posing with a saxophone alongside Charlie. James appeared in high spirits in a video posted by Lizzie too. He cheekily asked her: 'Who are you? Lizzie, I didn't recognise you with so many clothes on.' Charlie added: 'I came back from Dubai Friday night especially to be on his show and to come along today.' Speaking candidly on camera, James said: 'I'm feeling okay. As people know, I'm not about to die - well, you never know, do you? "I've had all my treatment. I don't want anybody feeling sorry for me, I'm just giving you the lowdown. Talk's James Whale issues devastating health update as star says he's 'at end' of cancer journey and ending treatment "I think if I make it to Christmas, I'll be exceptionally lucky. "Sometimes I think it might be easier to just have a heart attack and go.' As his wife joined him, Lizzie added: 'People think of James as Mr Nasty, but he's a little pussycat underneath.' Nadine agreed: 'No one's ever been nicer to me than James.' Earlier this month, James revealed his long-running programme could be coming to an end within weeks, as he reaches the final stage of his battle. 8 8 8 Explaining that his condition has worsened, James said on-air that 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." For those seeking updates on his condition, James encouraged fans to tune in to Tales of the Whales, the podcast he co-hosts with his wife Nadine. 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 TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work. 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. 8 8 8
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
James Whale says he will be 'exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas' as he celebrates 74th birthday with friends and family after terminal cancer diagnosis
James Whale admitted he will be 'exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas ' as he celebrated his 74th birthday with friends and family at the weekend. The broadcaster is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs, and had previously said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment. Joined by fellow radio host Lizzie Cundy and his wife Nadine, James gave a health update while enjoying some drinks in the sun. Explaining that whilst he is 'feeling ok,' he admitted that it 'would be easier to have a heart attack' in a candid confession. When asked by Lizzie how he was doing, he responded: 'I'm feeling ok. As people know I'm not about to die, but well, you never know do you. 'I have had all my treatment so I'm giving you the low down on it.' James added: 'If I make it to Christmas I will be exceptionally lucky. Some times I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go.' Last week he gave a devastating health update as he said he's 'at the end' of his cancer journey and there are 'no treatments left'. Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer and that his show may soon come to an end. He said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.' 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 said his recent ill health had taken its toll on him due to a severe bout of flu which led to an intensive care stay. Despite his health, James managed to joke: '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.' Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer Celebrity Big Brother star James spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid his terminal cancer battle. He was hospitalised with the flu and was later discharged from the ICU to recover at home. His relieved wife, Nadine, 59, told fans at the time: 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.' James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April 2024.
Edinburgh Live
06-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Celebrity Big Brother star tells fans he is 'at the end' in cancer battle update
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info TV icon James Whale has told fans he 'doesn't expect to live until Christmas '. Whale, 73, issued an update to fans on his cancer battle adding that he had been hospitalised with flu over the festive period. The former Celebrity Big Brother star, had a stint in intensive care. After being diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer in 2020, James has announced that his long-running show on TalkTV could finish within the next few weeks, reports the Daily Record. Making the tragic announcement alongside his co-host on TalkTV, Ash Gould, the star said: "I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore." 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 was hospitalised with flu over the festive period, leading to a stint in intensive care. At the time, his wife shared an update, saying: "After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again." She added: "This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE." Last April, while receiving his MBE, he confessed he thought his days were numbered. He has been battling cancer since 2000 when he first had a kidney removed. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Despite his tragic health update, James 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." In 2020, the presenter revealed that the cancer had aggressively returned, affecting his remaining kidney, spine, brain, and lungs. Speaking to PA news agency after his MBE award, he expressed surprise at being able to attend. He said: "I didn't think I'd be here to receive this. But who knows? I've been terminally ill now for nearly four years. Twenty five years ago I had the original cancer. So I might make the end of this year, I might not. I might be around next year." He remained positive, however, saying: "I think you've got to be positive. I know it's getting a bit worse than it was. You just have to go with the flow really. You have to do that to get through it. One in two of us is going to go on this journey until they find a cure. They will find a cure. But you have to make the most of it." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Reflecting on his life journey he noted: "When you're my age and I've had a good life you say maybe you have another year left. Four years ago, we thought we had months." The revered presenter recalled his rise to fame with the James Whale Show in the 1980s, which aired on both Radio Aire in Leeds and ITV. His illustrious career spans five decades, during which time he has made a name for himself in broadcasting and charity work, culminating in an MBE. He stated: "The award has been the pinnacle of doing what I've done. It makes me feel very proud that somebody has recognised the fact that I've spent my entire life being rude to people for entertainment. If my parents were alive, they would be in tears. It's a great honour at the end of your life." The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call them on 0808 808 0000.
Metro
05-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
TV presenter James Whale, 73, reveals he's 'at the end of cancer journey'
TalkTV presenter James Whale, who has been on screens for over 25 years, has revealed his cancer journey is 'at an end'. The longtime media personality, 73, shared the update on his health to viewers after being diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer five years ago, which has since spread to his spine, brain and lungs. He returned to his long-running show following a stay in intensive care after falling ill with a severe bout of the flu over Christmas. Joined by Talk co-host Ash Gould, he said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore. '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!' Speaking about his plans to still work for as long as he could, he quipped: '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.' In December, the MBE recipient's wife offered an update when he returned home from the hospital. 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE,' she wrote in a caption. Whale was first diagnosed with cancer in 2000 when he had his kidney removed. It aggressively returned in 2020. Reflecting on his terminal condition after receiving his MBE last year, he admitted his worries that he 'might not make it to the end of the year.' At the time, he continued: 'I think you've got to be positive. I know it's getting a bit worse than it was. You just have to go with the flow really. 'You have to do that to get through it. One in two of us is going to go on this journey until they find a cure. They will find a cure. But you have to make the most of it.' 'When you're my age and I've had a good life, you say maybe you have another year left. Four years ago, we thought we had months.' Whale rose to prominence in the 1980s with The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds and has also since gone on to become an Express columnist. Several high-profile people have been open about their journey with cancer in recent months, including Celebrity Big Brother's Trisha Goddard, who scheduled her treatment around her time in the house. More Trending Meanwhile, King Charles, who announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, recently spoke about the 'daunting' experience. He wrote: 'A cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support'. Then added: ''Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. 'But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: I was 11 when my parents were told to plan my funeral MORE: Everything we know about King Charles' cancer treatment MORE: What ultra-processed food does to your body after days, weeks and months
