James Whale was a British radio and television broadcaster known for his outspoken and provocative style. He pioneered the UK’s late-night phone-in radio format and became a household name through decades of bold, opinionated broadcasting. Whale was also a passionate cancer awareness campaigner, admired for his resilience and authenticity.
| Full Name | Michael James Whale |
|---|---|
| Born | May 13, 1951 – Ewell, Surrey, England |
| Died | August 4, 2025 (aged 74) |
| Profession | Radio & Television Broadcaster |
| Known For | The James Whale Radio Show, TalkTV, talkRADIO, Celebrity Big Brother (2016) |
| Spouses |
Melinda Maxted (deceased) Nadine Lamont-Brown (m. 2021) |
| Children | 2 sons (James and Peter) |
| Major Illness | Kidney cancer (diagnosed 2000, returned in 2020) |
| Charity Work | Founder of James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer (now Kidney Cancer UK) |
James Whale – Early Life
James Whale was born on May 13, 1951, in Ewell, Surrey, England. Despite struggling with dyslexia during childhood, he developed an early passion for drama and performance. Before entering the media industry, he worked in several jobs including construction, clothing retail, and as a nightclub DJ. These experiences shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
James Whale – Career
Whale began his radio career in 1974 with Metro Radio in Newcastle. He gained widespread popularity in the 1980s with The James Whale Radio Show, known for mixing hard-hitting topics with listener call-ins and humor. He later transitioned to television, hosting a late-night show on ITV that was simultaneously broadcast on radio.
Over the years, he worked for LBC, talkSPORT, talkRADIO, and TalkTV, where he continued his reputation for candid, no-filter broadcasting. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016. Whale’s bold interviewing style earned him both criticism and deep respect in the British media landscape.
James Whale – Personal Life
James Whale married Melinda Maxted, with whom he had two sons. Tragically, Melinda passed away from lung cancer in 2018. In 2021, he married Nadine Lamont-Brown. Whale was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and later became an advocate for awareness and fundraising. In 2006, he founded the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, now known as Kidney Cancer UK.
His cancer returned in 2020 and spread to his brain, spine, and lungs. Despite this, he continued broadcasting and remained active in public life until the final months of his life.
James Whale – Death
In May 2025, Whale announced he had stopped treatment and was entering end-of-life care. He passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the age of 74, in a hospice surrounded by loved ones. His final podcast, recorded from his hospice bed, was a thank-you to his audience, in which he said, “I’m happy to go now.” Tributes poured in from across the media, honoring him as a fearless pioneer who changed British broadcasting forever.
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