James Whale, Celebrity Big Brother and radio star, dies at age of 74
The legend, who appeared in the TV show in 2016, has died after a battle with cancer
James Whale who has died aged 74
(Image: (Image: Getty))
Ex-Celebrity Big Brother star James Whale has died at the age of 74. Tributes have been paid to the radio legend after his death was announced by Talk TV.
In a statement on X it said: "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."
The Talk presenter had recently moved into a hospice. He told how he was "happy to go now".
Paying tribute on air colleague and friend Mike Graham spoke of his outstanding contribution to radio over the last six decades, and his eight years on Talk and talkRADIO.
He said: 'James began his remarkable career in the early 1970s when he pioneered a new kind of radio in Britain, the late night shock jock phone in. By the late 1980s, the James Whale radio show had become a cultural phenomenon, broadcasting every weekend on ITV. He attracted millions of viewers, making him a household name.
'James would go on to host a variety of programmes for ITV, Sky and the BBC before finding a new audience for talk radio, all the while continuing to make headlines during his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
'In 2006, after surviving kidney cancer, James launched Kidney Cancer UK, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. In 2024, James was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours, recognising his extraordinary contribution to broadcast and charity.
'James Whale broke the rules, he shaped the airwaves, and did it all on his own terms. For millions, James wasn't just a broadcaster. He was a companion, a provocateur, and a good friend that we'll all never forget. God bless you, James. We'll miss you.'
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The star was diagnosed with kidney cancer five years ago. At that point he was told it was stage-four. Speaking in June he told how he had just weeks to live.
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