James Whale, Britain’s first “shock jock,” has died at age 74 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
“We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today, aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer,” his employers, TalkTV, said in a statement on Monday, August 4. “As a broadcasting legend for over 50 years, James will be missed by so many at Talk and the wider News UK family.”
His wife, Nadine Lamont-Brown, also confirmed the news and said that Whale “slipped away very gently” and that he “left with a smile on his face.”
Whale was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000, and he had to have one kidney removed. The disease went into remission after the well-known radio personality underwent treatment, and his experience inspired him to become one of the founders of Kidney Cancer UK. In 2020, Whale revealed that the cancer had returned, and this time it had spread to his lungs, spine and brain. Even after receiving a terminal diagnosis, he continued to work and speak publicly about his illness.
“A lot of people in my position don’t admit they have an illness because they think it’s a sign of weakness,” Whale told a caller during his radio show on March 24, 2022. “Some of the fittest people on the planet get cancer.”
He continued, “I can hear you’re a bit sad. Please don’t be sad. I’ve had a great life. I’ve been very, very lucky, and I haven’t gone yet, but when I do go, you can raise a glass of very nice red wine and you will know that I’ve enjoyed my life.”
In May 2025, Whale announced that he had stopped treatment. Just days before his passing, he released a final episode of his podcast, where he thanked listeners and said goodbye.
“We’ve had a good time together haven’t we?” Whale said to his wife before continuing, “Thank you for being a listener. I hope it helps in some way, and who knows what’s next? So, I can only say au revoir.”
