Renowned British broadcaster and radio personality James Whale has died aged 74, his agent confirmed on Monday. Whale, known for his sharp tongue, unfiltered style, and decades-long presence on British airwaves, passed away peacefully while holding his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown’s hand.
Whale’s career spanned over six decades, beginning in the early 1970s. He gained national prominence in the 1980s with The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire and later its late-night television adaptation. The programme, known for its chaotic and controversial nature, aired simultaneously on radio and ITV, blending shock-jock tactics with irreverent commentary. Despite criticism, Whale’s charisma and bold approach earned him a devoted audience.
His radio stints included spells at BBC, LBC, and most notably TalkSport, where he hosted a late-night phone-in that cemented his reputation as a provocative voice in British broadcasting. Though often divisive, Whale was undeniably influential, pioneering a style of radio that entertained and offended in equal measure.
Diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000, Whale underwent successful surgery but revealed in 2020 that the disease had returned in multiple areas. Despite his declining health, he continued to work, hosting a TalkRadio show and his podcast Tales of the Whales, where he openly discussed his illness.
Tributes poured in from across the media industry. TalkTV’s Mike Graham called him “an extraordinary talent” and “a remarkable man,” while Piers Morgan hailed him as “one of Britain’s all-time great radio talk show hosts.”
Whale’s career was not without controversy. In 2008, he was dismissed from TalkSport for breaching impartiality rules after urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson. In 2018, he faced suspension over a widely criticised interview on sexual assault.
Despite personal and professional setbacks, Whale remained a defiant, distinctive voice in broadcasting. He also campaigned for cancer awareness, founding the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006, which later merged with Kidney Cancer UK.
James Whale leaves behind a legacy marked by boldness, resilience, and a relentless commitment to speaking his mind. He will be remembered as one of the most colourful and influential figures in British radio history.
