Broadcaster James Whale shared an emotional birthday message to his grandson as he faces the final weeks of his terminal cancer battle
TalkTV presenter James Whale has shared an emotional message as he enters the final stages of terminal cancer. Posting a heartfelt video on X, the 74-year-old paid tribute to his grandson on his birthday.
Fighting back tears as he said: “I’m not terribly well in the final stages of cancer, but I just want to tell my grandson how proud I am of him.”
He praised his grandson’s achievement in joining the Royal Marines, adding: “He’s a Royal Marine and he’s been a Royal Marine for over six months, nearly a year now, he got through all his training, and I am so, so proud, you have no idea.”
Marking the Royal Marines’ 360th anniversary, Whale continued: “Happy Birthday, mate. Happy Birthday to all of you who have put your lives where you have… Happy Birthday to you all.”
Addressing his fans, he offered reassurance about his condition and career: “It’s alright, I’m an old git, [I’m] 74. I’m still on the TV and radio but not for much longer. I love you all, guys.”
Whale was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and had a kidney removed. In 2020, he revealed the disease had spread to his spine, brain, and lungs. The veteran broadcaster has faced a tumultuous journey ever since.
After a stint in intensive care last year, Whale’s challenges mounted when his TalkTV show, which he co-hosted with Ash Gould, his former producer from their TalkSPORT days, was axed.
In a recent poignant update, Whale disclosed that his health had deteriorated further, leading doctors to cease treatment and warn him that making it to Christmas would be fortunate.
During one of his last broadcasts from home, Whale bravely told listeners: “I’m actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go.”
Reflecting on his remarkable five-decade career, he said: “Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we’ll catch up for the last time.”
While conversing with a caller named Paula, an emotional Whale confessed: “And I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it’s a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you.
“I’m heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it’s interesting because now everybody talks about it. Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don’t feel that they’re doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about.
“We do do, Nadine, my wife, or Lady W, as she’s better known, and I do a podcast every week called Tales of the Whales. And if you’re in a similar situation, I’m the one with it, she’s the one who’s got to put up with it.”
Many users flocked to social media to express their sadness at the news about the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant. One said: “Wishing you peace, you’re a brave man. Best wishes to you and your family.”
Another shared: “Thank you for your service and may you live out the rest of your days free of pain and in comfort of knowing you’ll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you and salute you sir.”
And a third commented: “We disagree on my political issues James but I have always been grateful for your support on animal protection issues and have enjoyed our interviews over the years. You have dealt with your terminal illness with fortitude and dignity and a determination to squeeze the very most out of life. I wish you all the best in the days ahead my friend.”
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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