James Whale has issued a new heartbreaking health update amid his ongoing incurable cancer battle.
The Celebrity Big Brother star, 74, revealed back in May during his TalkTV radio show that he was at the “end” of his cancer journey. In another update, he also said he would be “lucky” to make it to Christmas 2025. Back in May, James has revealed things are “very, very difficult” for him. Then in June, his oncologist told him he only has “weeks” to live.
Earlier this month, James has shared his pride over his grandson, and also admitted that he “hasn’t got much longer” to live. However, in a new update, James revealed his health has rapidly declined.
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James Whale reveals ‘there is no more treatment I can have’
During his radio show in May, James opened up about his cancer journey.
The radio presenter, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2016, is battling stage four kidney cancer, which has spread to his brain, spine and lungs. With his co-star by his side, James revealed that he wouldn’t be on the airwaves for much longer, and his show may come to an end soon.
“I’m at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have any more,” he said. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I’ve been doing it for 25 years,” he then continued.
“It might actually be helping me, you never know, so I don’t let that cloud my judgment. But on the medication I am on, I’m all over the place,” he said. “I’m hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months. But as soon as I can’t do the show any more, I won’t,” he then said.
‘I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go’
In another update, James recently celebrated his 74th birthday with family and friends. However, he shared more sad news.
As he was joined by his wife, Nadine, and presenter Lizzie Cundy, James said he was “feeling okay”, adding: “As people know, I’m not about to die, but well, you never know do you. I have had all my treatment so I’m giving you the low down on it,” he continued before declaring he doesn’t believe he will make it to Christmas.
“If I make it to Christmas, I will be exceptionally lucky. Sometimes I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go,” James continued.
‘Things get to be very, very difficult’
In early May, he revealed that he was struggling.
Opening up on his radio show, the CBB star said: “Until very recently, everything was quite normal for me, everything was fine, and then you do get to a stage like I am now, with things get to be very, very difficult.
“To anybody else who is in the final stages of cancer, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you’re going through, I do know, I look basically okay, I get told you look alright and I look okay, but it’s all make-up.”
‘Weeks’ to live
In his radio show at the end of June, which he’s now recording from home, James spoke to a listener and admitted it’s an emotional time. And that his doctors have said he only has a couple of weeks left to live.
Speaking on air, the CBB star said: “I’m actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go. Over the 50 years [on air], I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we’ll catch up for the last time.”
He then spoke to a listener called Paula, and revealed that he’s been very emotional as he comes to terms with reaching the end of his life.
James said: “I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it’s a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you. I’m heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it’s interesting because now everybody talks about it.
“Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don’t feel that they’re doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about.”
Listeners flooded James with support online, with one posting: “The world without James Whale will be a sadder place. You’ve been and are loved. Hold on to that thought.”
‘I am so, so proud, you have no idea’
Most recently, he shared a video tribute to his grandson, to celebrate his birthday.
James said: “I’m not terribly well in the final stages of cancer, but I just want to tell my grandson how proud I am of him. He’s a Royal Marine and he’s been a Royal Marine for over six months, nearly a year now. He got through all his training, and I am so, so proud, you have no idea.”
As he struggled to hold back tears, the Celebrity Big Brother star continued: Happy Birthday, mate. Happy Birthday to all of you who have put your lives where you have. 360 years ago, the royal marines were founded. Happy Birthday to you all.”
Speaking to his followers, James then appeared to accept that his life is coming to an end. “It’s alright, I’m an old git, 74. I’m still on the TV and radio but not for much longer. I love you all, guys.”
‘I don’t feel I can go on much more’
In the latest episode of his podcast with his wife, James revealed that his health has rapidly declined.
“I can’t breathe, I can’t think, I can’t talk,” he said. “Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?” James added.
“Could I thank everybody for getting in touch and wanting to meet up. I’m not being rude when I make it difficult to get touched up. I mean… in touch,” he continued, as he began to get confused.
His wife, Nadine, explained James was “getting quite tired”, stating that they are “restricting visitors to just very close friends and family” from next week.
James insisted the “most tiring thing” he’s found is that he “still can’t hear very well”, which he finds “more frustrating than anything else”.
“I’ve become very slow in my speech and then forgetful and everything else,” he noted.
James declared he was “tootling along” before sharing a heartbreaking statement.
“I don’t feel I can go on much more… The other thing is, my energy levels have gone completely,” he said.
“So I wish everybody well, and let us hope we go through these phases as quickly as we can.”
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