Latest news with #JamesWhaleUnleashed
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live. However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease. His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs. 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. — Talk (@TalkTV) August 4, 2025 The broadcaster's final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he's "happy to go now and feels at peace" after moving into a hospice. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter. Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds. From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations. He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed. Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. — Christian Mitchell (@MitchellCMM) August 4, 2025 Tributes paid to 'broadcasting legend' James Whale Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death. MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter. He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed." James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 4, 2025 Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: "Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. "Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago." Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died. Recommended reading: "He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx". Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: "So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family." Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: "This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend - the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now."
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
UK ‘shock jock' James Whale dies of cancer at the age of 74
His colleague and friend Mike Graham read an obituary on air and paid tribute to Whale, who had been battling stage four kidney cancer. Whale was first diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and had to have one of his kidneys removed. Then, in 2020, the TalkTV host revealed that the cancer had returned in his kidney, spine, brain and lungs. Graham said: 'James began his remarkable career in the early 1970s when he pioneered a new kind of radio in Britain, the late-night shock jock phone-in. 'James would go on to host a variety of programmes for ITV, Sky and the BBC before finding a new audience for talk radio, all the while continuing to make headlines during his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. 'By the late 1980s, the James Whale radio show had become a cultural phenomenon, broadcasting every weekend on ITV. He attracted millions of viewers, making him a household name. 'In 2006, after surviving kidney cancer, James launched Kidney Cancer UK, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. In 2024, James was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours, recognising his extraordinary contribution to broadcast and charity. 'James Whale broke the rules, he shaped the airwaves and did it all on his own terms. 'For millions, James wasn't just a broadcaster. He was a companion, a provocateur and a good friend that we'll all never forget. God bless you, James. We'll miss you.' Whale's wife Nadine Lamont-Brown said in a statement: 'It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my darling husband, James Whale, who died peacefully this morning with a smile on his face, holding my hand.' ADVERTISEMENT The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, described Whale as a 'broadcasting pioneer' in a post on X. He said: 'James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late-night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed.' Speaking on TalkTV, he added: 'James genuinely was a broadcasting pioneer, a broadcasting legend, the king of late night phone-ins. 'He would often take a position that was entirely contrary to what he really believed in, just for the sake of public debate. And if you think about that, in the broader context of what freedom, democracy, society is all about, James was completely a part of it.' Whale began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his frank style, dry wit and no-nonsense approach on late-night programme The James Whale Radio Show, gaining a legion of loyal listeners. He spent 13 years at TalkSport before hosting the drivetime show on LBC and the breakfast show on BBC Essex. Whale went on to host his own show on TalkTV, James Whale Unleashed, every Friday from 10pm-1am. His last interview for the programme was with Mr Farage and aired on July 18. During his career he also hosted Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, and Talk About for BBC One.
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live. However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease. His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs. 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. The broadcaster's final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he's "happy to go now and feels at peace" after moving into a hospice. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter. Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds. From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations. He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed. Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death. MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter. He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed." James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: "Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. "Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago." Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died. Recommended reading: Ex-Celebrity Big Brother 'legend' James Whale dies aged 74 Zoe Ball set for new TV role just weeks after returning to BBC Radio 2 BBC presenter and comedian Romesh Ranganathan 'taking a step back' from career "He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx". Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: "So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family." Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: "This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend - the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now."
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live. However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease. His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs. 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. The broadcaster's final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he's "happy to go now and feels at peace" after moving into a hospice. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter. Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds. From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations. He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed. Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death. MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter. He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed." James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: "Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. "Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago." Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died. Recommended reading: Ex-Celebrity Big Brother 'legend' James Whale dies aged 74 Zoe Ball set for new TV role just weeks after returning to BBC Radio 2 BBC presenter and comedian Romesh Ranganathan 'taking a step back' from career "He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx". Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: "So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family." Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: "This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend - the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now."
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live. However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease. His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs. 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. The broadcaster's final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he's "happy to go now and feels at peace" after moving into a hospice. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter. Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds. From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations. He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed. Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death. MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter. He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed." James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: "Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. "Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago." Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died. Recommended reading: Ex-Celebrity Big Brother 'legend' James Whale dies aged 74 Zoe Ball set for new TV role just weeks after returning to BBC Radio 2 BBC presenter and comedian Romesh Ranganathan 'taking a step back' from career "He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx". Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: "So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family." Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: "This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend - the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now."
