Veteran television presenter James Whale issued an emotional message during his live TV segment as he updated viewers on his terminal stage four kidney cancer battle
James Whale issued an emotional update on his cancer battle as he appeared on live television. The TalkTV presenter was taking part in one of his last ever shows following his revelation he has stage four kidney cancer and has been dealing with it for five years.
Now, in a heartbreaking moment alongside co-host Ash Gould, 53, the 74-year-old TV star confessed things are getting “very very difficult”. Speaking on James Whale Unleashed on Friday, the presetner opened up about his cancer journey while talking to a guest who had been through cancer with her late husband.
He said: “Until very recently, everything was quite normal for me, everything was fine, and then you do get to a stage like I am now, with things get to be very very difficult.”
James added: “To anybody else who is in the final stages of cancer, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you’re going through, I do know, I look basically okay, I get told you look alright and I look okay, it’s all make-up.”
With his comments shared to social media, fans were quick to offer messages of support. One user wrote on the Twitter/X upload: “I’m also stage 4 kidney cancer but you are a real inspiration. I seriously can’t believe how much better you look compared to 2 weeks ago!”
James first revealed in May that his condition had worsened. He told viewers that treatment was no longer an option and candidly said he will be “lucky to make it to Christmas”.
He sadly told viewers at the time: “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!”
He said at the time that his recent ill health had taken its toll on him. He also revealed he had a severe bout of flu which led to an intensive care stay.
Despite his health, the present was able to joke, saying: “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.”
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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