Latest news with #PimlicoPlumbers
Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
James Whale celebrates birthday and says he'll be 'lucky to get to Christmas'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page TalkTV presenter James Whale celebrated his birthday surrounded by friends and family after sharing there is no cancer treatment he can have anymore. The 73-year-old radio host told listeners he was at the end of his cancer journey, after being diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer five years ago. Whale was joined for his birthday celebrations by contributor on his show, Lizzie Cundy, who shared a slideshow of snaps to her Instagram alongside James and his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown. TV producer Simon Withington and Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins, who said he had flown in from Dubai especially for the occasion, were also in attendance. The photos were taken on a sunny day at a Kent hotel and posted alongside a clip of Cundy giving James a mini interview. Speaking to the camera and holding a microphone, Cundy told her followers: 'We're here today to celebrate the legend that is James Whale's birthday.' James was surrounded by friends and family (Picture: @lizziecundy) She then sat down to talk with Whale, who joked to her: 'Lizzie I didn't recognise you there with so many clothes on.' On a more serious note, Cundy asked after his health, and he said he was feeling 'okay'. He added: '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, I'm just giving you a lowdown on it. If I make it to Christmas, I will be exceptionally lucky. Sometimes I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go.' It comes after Whale told his listeners he could no longer undergo any cancer treatment. Joined by Talk co-host Ash Gould, he said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. '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. Whale told his listeners he could no longer undergo any cancer treatment (Picture: @lizziecundy) '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, Whale'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. 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. Arrow MORE: We ran an ultramarathon together – but within months my friend was dead Arrow MORE: Linda Nolan's stepson Lloyd Hudson dies from throat cancer after 'fighting side by side' Arrow MORE: Blink-182's Mark Hoppus 'thought he deserved cancer' after accidentally sharing diagnosis online
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Presenter James Whale celebrates heartbreaking ‘last birthday' surrounded by loved ones after stopping cancer treatment
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 James Whale MBE celebrated his 'last birthday' surrounded by loved ones today after stopping his cancer treatment Credit: Instagram 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 James spent the poignant milestone with friends and family - including Charlie Mullins and Lizzie Cundy Credit: Instagram 8 Lizzie also shared some playful snaps from the hotel's grounds, posing with a saxophone alongside Charlie Credit: Instagram 8 She snapped a selfie with TV producer, Simon Withington Credit: Instagram 8 James appeared in high spirits in a video posted by Lizzie Credit: Instagram 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 James' wife Nadine has cared for him throughout his health battle Credit: Twitter/James Whale 8 The veteran broadcaster has been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years Credit: James Whale
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish 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. 8 James Whale MBE celebrated his 'last birthday' surrounded by loved ones today after stopping his cancer treatment Credit: Instagram 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 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. read more on James Whale 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.' Most read in News TV 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, 8 James spent the poignant milestone with friends and family - including Charlie Mullins and Lizzie Cundy Credit: Instagram 8 Lizzie also shared some playful snaps from the hotel's grounds, posing with a saxophone alongside Charlie Credit: Instagram 8 She snapped a selfie with TV producer, Simon Withington Credit: Instagram 8 James appeared in high spirits in a video posted by Lizzie Credit: Instagram 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 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 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 8 James' wife Nadine has cared for him throughout his health battle Credit: Twitter/James Whale 8 The veteran broadcaster has been living with stage four kidney cancer for five years Credit: James Whale 8 He's been in the business for no less than 50 years Credit: Rex
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
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Britain's richest plumber Charlie Mullins blasts new American owners of his former firm after they axed popular apprenticeship scheme
Former Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins has lambasted the maintenance firm's new American owner after they axed the UK company's popular apprenticeship scheme, as countless trainees were on the verge of qualifying. Mr Mullins, himself a former apprentice plumber, founded Pimlico in 1979 before growing the company into a £50million-a-year plumbing, heating and electrical services giant. The 72-year-old eventually sold the London firm to the tune of £140million to Neighborly, which is owned by private equity firm KKR, in 2021. But now he has hit out at the firm's new bosses for their recent move to get rid of their apprenticeship programme, which has trained more than a thousand youngsters since it first launched. Mr Mullins has since revealed he regrets handing over the reigns of the company to the US private equity firm and has offered to fund a legal case by the 16 apprentices who are losing their jobs. Trainees, some of whom were just months away from the point they should have become fully qualified, were offered just half a week's pay for each year of employment, MailOnline has been told - with one saying they'd received just £700. Fabio, a 20-year-old plumbing and heating engineer, revealed he was just months away from completing his scheme when he was laid off. He said Pimlico offered him half a week's pay for each year he had been with them, which would have amounted to between £600 and £700. 'We were working one day when we got a text and were told that our jobs were at risk,' he said. 'Everyone was really stressed out about it and been rushing to try and sort other work. No one in my college or anyone I've spoken to have heard of anything like this happening before.' Twenty-two-year-old Luke, who is also set to begin with WeFix in June, revealed he had only two months left before he was due to finish his apprenticeship when the possibility of redundancies were announced by Pimlico in April. 'I was actually on annual leave the day they scheduled the in office meeting to let everyone know, but I did receive a phone call from my manager after the meeting had finished,' he said. 'It was definitely a shock,' he added: 'It wasn't a good situation but what I've ever really done is just to try and make the best out of a bad situation, and turn a negative into a positive.' The apprentice, who had been working for Pimlico for three years described the situation as 'frustrating' as he was only a couple months away from sitting his final exam. He said he was mainly concerned from a 'financial' perspective as he had completed over 75 percent of his apprenticeship, meaning under government guidance he would still be able to complete his qualification without an employer. Explaining his worries and fears, he added: 'It was more from a financial standpoint and for future building that I did go out and seek employment.' Describing the moment, the redundancies were confirmed on May 2, he said: 'It wasn't as bad as it was when I received the initial news of the proposed redundancy because, I naturally decided okay I'm going to set plans for my future. 'I knew where I stood. I think the more worrying part of the whole situation was not knowing whether you were are being made redundant or not. When you kind of didn't know whether you were coming or going, that was a bit stressful.' Reflecting on his decision to apply to WeFix, he said: 'it's a suiting company. They work in the areas that I've always been used to, and I just saw it as why would I apply anywhere else? 'It was just probably going to be the best fit for me.' Apprentices were first told they were at risk of losing their jobs during a meeting in April. Afterwards a document later circulated largely laying blame on 'increased operating costs' resulting from the increase to National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage. It also cited high energy costs and business rates, as well as the UK's downgraded GDP growth forecast from 1.7 per cent to 1 per cent. 'In summary, current economic conditions, government policy changes, and increased operating costs are all impacting Pimlico financially, hence the proposal to close the apprenticeship programme,' the document stated. Mr Mullins left school aged 15 with no qualifications before becoming an apprentice and starting his own business from a Pimlico estate agent's basement. The company became known for providing services London's rich and famous it went on to boast annual sales of £50million. Glitzy clients have included Liam Gallagher, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley, Jonathan Ross and Chelsea footballers. He has now set up a new home services company, WeFix, and taken on several of the apprentices who were made redundant. Mr Mullins accused Pimlico's new American owners of 'greed' and 'destroying youngsters' futures'. 'This is all about bottom line. And I'm sure that there will be a saving for them, but the future loss will be colossal. 'Without my apprenticeship there would have be no Pimlico and a lot of the guys we took on have gone on to run their own businesses too. So I've always been a big advocate for apprenticeships. 'It's damaging to them as a business and damaging to the apprentices who have put all this time and effort in.' The entrepreneur disputed the claim by management that they had been forced to lay off the apprentices due to rising costs. 'They say it's because NI and the minimum wage have gone up. I'm not disputing that it makes things harder but you don't necessarily cut down on people who are already in the company, particularly when many are towards the end of their programme. 'These people are the company's future. It's also demoralised a lot of other staff, some of whom encouraged their relatives to join up who are now being laid off. 'We took on apprentices within our first year of operation in 1979 and over 1,200 have gone through it. We're not in a position to take all 16 of them on but we're only taking a few. Mr Mullins has previously insisted it was a mistake to sell Pimlico to Neighborly, and repeated this claim today. 'I had other buyers but I picked them on the basis that they were the biggest, so I thought they would be a good outfit. I think this is about preparing the company for a sale. 'I wouldn't have sold it to them if I'd have known this was going to happen. I've learned in business now that many of these American companies aren't interested in anything apart from the bottom line. 'If these people want to get together and take legal action I will happily finance that.'
