Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live.
However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease.
His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs.
We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
As a broadcasting legend for over 50-years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family. pic.twitter.com/YvvywXvuK0
— Talk (@TalkTV) August 4, 2025
The broadcaster’s final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he’s “happy to go now and feels at peace” after moving into a hospice.
He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter.
Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds.
From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations.
He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed.
Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed.
Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/Cup235RWk8
— Christian Mitchell (@MitchellCMM) August 4, 2025
Tributes paid to ‘broadcasting legend’ James Whale
Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death.
MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter.
He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed.”
James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio.
But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. https://t.co/hdDXkhy3T2
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 4, 2025
Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: “Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed.
“Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago.”
Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: “So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died.
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“He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx”.
Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: “So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family.”
Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: “This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend – the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now.”
