TalkTV presenter James Whale has shared an emotional video on social media as he enters the final stages of his terminal cancer battle and fights back the tears
TalkTV host James Whale has shared a poignant message as he faces the final stages of terminal cancer. In an emotional video posted on X, the 74 year old took a moment to honour his grandson on his birthday.
Holding back tears, he 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 lauded his grandson’s accomplishment of becoming a Royal Marine, adding: “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.”
Celebrating the Royal Marines’ 360th anniversary, Whale continued: “Happy Birthday, mate. Happy Birthday to all of you who have put your lives where you have… Happy Birthday to you all.”
Speaking to his fans, he offered reassurance about his health status and career: “It’s alright, I’m an old git, [I’m] 74. I’m still on the TV and radio but not for much longer. I love you all, guys.”
Whale was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and underwent surgery to remove a kidney. In 2020, he disclosed that the disease had metastasised to his spine, brain, and lungs.
The veteran broadcaster has been battling the illness ever since.
After a period in intensive care last year, Whale faced further challenges when his TalkTV show, which he co-hosted with Ash Gould, his former producer from their TalkSPORT days, was cancelled.
In a recent heartfelt update, Whale revealed that his health had taken a turn for the worse, with doctors halting treatment and cautioning him that reaching Christmas would be a blessing, reports the Mirror.
During one of his final broadcasts from home, Whale courageously informed listeners: “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.”
Reflecting on his impressive career spanning five decades, he shared: “Over the 50 years, 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.”
While chatting with a caller named Paula, an emotional Whale admitted: “And 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.
“We do do, Nadine, my wife, or Lady W, as she’s better known, and I do a podcast every week called Tales of the Whales. And if you’re in a similar situation, I’m the one with it, she’s the one who’s got to put up with it.”
The news about the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant sparked a wave of sadness on social media. One user commented: “Wishing you peace, you’re a brave man. Best wishes to you and your family.”
One user expressed their appreciation: “Thank you for your service and may you live out the rest of your days free of pain and in comfort of knowing you’ll leave behind a tremendous legacy. I take my hat off to you and salute you sir.”
A separate individual praised James, stating: “We disagree on my political issues James but I have always been grateful for your support on animal protection issues and have enjoyed our interviews over the years. You have dealt with your terminal illness with fortitude and dignity and a determination to squeeze the very most out of life. I wish you all the best in the days ahead my friend.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
