TalkTV host James Whale, 71, makes heartbreaking cancer revelation as he discusses chemotherapy battle
TALKTV host James Whale shared a heartbreaking revelation regarding his terminal cancer while opening up about his chemotherapy battle.
The radio legend, 71, revealed he has just months to live - two years after he announced the disease had spread to his spine, brain, kidney and lungs.
During his poignant speech at the British Curry Awards in London on Monday night, James put on a brave face while discussing his prognosis.
He told the audience: "I know a lot of you won't like me, but this time next year I won't be here. I have terminal cancer.
"As you might be able to hear, I am having chemotherapy which makes it harder for me to breathe, but I'm OK. Don't worry.
"I am in my 70s now and I just want to say don't waste your time on stupid things that don't matter. 25 years later I've got it again.
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"I'm 71 and I've had a great life."
The broadcaster went on to pay tribute to his close pal Enam Ali MBE who passed away in July after a two-year battle with cancer.
The founder of the British Curry Awards raised more than £2million for charity before he died.
James added: "He was one of my best mates, he showed us that as communities we can all get on together.
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"For that tonight I would like to give you a round of applause."
The radio star lovingly posed with his wife Nadine Talbot-Brown on the red carpet as they dazzled in matching navy blue outfits.
The pair wed in October 2021, three years after James was widowed when his wife Melinda tragically passed away in May 2018 from lung cancer.
He said at the time of her diagnosis: "She is having treatment, and I can't give up that last glimmer of hope.
"But the doctors say I have to face facts. She is dying. The thought of losing her is so painful, it is difficult to even contemplate."
The TalkTV host was himself warned he had just three months to live after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000.
But James had his kidney removed and defied the odds by winning his fight against the disease.
When it tragically returned 20 years later, the former CBB contestant decided to be candid about his struggle with cancer with fans.
He previously admitted he considered throwing himself a farewell party and taking his own life after being diagnosed with spine, brain, and kidney cancer.
James is one of the UK’s leading radio broadcasters.
His late-night series, the James Whale Radio Show, which was broadcast live simultaneously on Radio Aire in Leeds and ITV in the 1980s, made the genre famous.
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He spent 13 years presenting weeknights on talkSPORT from 1995 before moving onto a drivetime show on LBC broadcasting every weekday for four years, sparking a huge ratings rise.
He now hosts between 7pm and 10pm on News UK’s booming station talkRADIO alongside long-time co-host Ash Gould.
