James Whale Celebrates 74th Birthday Amid Terminal Cancer Battle
By Laura Parkin for MailOnline
Published: 10:24 BST, 13 May 2025 | Updated: 10:24 BST, 13 May 2025

Radio broadcaster James Whale, 74, marked his birthday surrounded by loved ones over the weekend but shared a heartbreaking update on his stage four kidney cancer battle. The disease has spread to his spine, brain, and lungs, and he admits he’ll be “exceptionally lucky” to live until Christmas.

[Insert Image 1: James Whale smiling with wife Nadine and Lizzie Cundy at his birthday gathering. Caption: "James Whale celebrated his 74th birthday with wife Nadine and friend Lizzie Cundy."]

A Candid Confession
During the celebration, James told fellow radio host Lizzie Cundy, “I’m feeling OK, but you never know. If I make it to Christmas, I’ll be exceptionally lucky. Sometimes I think it’d be easier to just have a heart attack and go.” He stopped treatment earlier this year, acknowledging the cancer’s progression.

Last week, he revealed on his TalkTV show, “I’m at the end of my cancer journey. There are no treatments left.” Co-host Ash Gould joined him as he admitted his time on air is limited: “As soon as I can’t do the show anymore, I won’t.”

[Insert Image 2: James Whale and Ash Gould on set. Caption: "James with co-host Ash Gould during his emotional health update."]

Health Struggles
James spent Christmas 2023 in intensive care battling influenza A, which compounded his condition. His wife Nadine, 59, later shared, “Our hero is home for NYE,” after he was discharged. Despite setbacks, James humorously noted his medication leaves him “all over the place” but remains grateful for his career.

[Insert Image 3: James in hospital during recovery. Caption: "James was hospitalized with flu in late 2023 but returned home for New Year’s Eve."]

A Legacy of Resilience
A Celebrity Big Brother alum, James received an MBE in 2024 for his broadcasting and charity work. Though facing mortality, he continues to cherish moments with family and friends. Nadine remains a steadfast support, celebrating his strength amid adversity.

[Insert Image 4: James Whale at his MBE ceremony. Caption: "James was honored with an MBE in April 2024."]

Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with support, praising his courage. James’s journey underscores the fragility of life, yet his wit and resilience shine through. As he told Lizzie, “I’ve had a good innings—no complaints.”

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James Whale says he’ll be “exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas” amid terminal cancer battle.

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