James Whale’s final words: Radio star said the past few months had been hard and expressed his sadness at missing Christmas in posthumous column written weeks before his death

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In simpler terms, it was recently discovered that James Whale had spoken about the last few months being challenging, and his regret at not celebrating Christmas was his last recorded statement, which he shared shortly before his passing.

The radio presenter passed away last week at the age of 74 following a battle with kidney cancer.

In my final days, penning a heartfelt farewell piece for the Daily Express before my passing, I, James, took a moment to reflect on my life’s journey and the arduous battle against cancer. This missive serves as my parting message to you, my cherished fans.

The individual, referring to a “grand broadcasting studio up above,” shared his heartfelt reflections, which he deemed essential, prior to his departure. He humorously added that even in death, he wouldn’t be able to keep quiet.

In a mix of sadness and acceptance, he acknowledged his inevitable destiny, expressing reluctance towards it as he doesn’t wish to depart from this world. He also expressed regret that he won’t get the chance to celebrate one final holiday season with his cherished family members.

He wrote: ‘Although I’ll likely miss celebrating Christmas this year, which fills me with more sorrow than words can express – there have been many tears – it’s just the situation I find myself in.’

Over these past few grueling months, I’ve found myself grappling with challenges. However, up until recently, I could effortlessly make my way to the Talk studios each week for our shows without a hitch.

James further expressed that as he balanced his work with multiple medical visits, matters gradually became more challenging. In essence, he humorously added, “I’ve been exhausted by it all.

Apart from acknowledging the support of the NHS, he also expressed gratitude towards his wife Nadine (who they’ve been married for four years) and their loved ones. He mentioned that their encouragement, as well as his connections with listeners and readers, have significantly contributed to his resilience throughout this journey.

In his article, James expressed his intrigue regarding the upcoming political landscape, such as whether Reform UK will secure victory in the next parliamentary election, if Keir Starmer will remain in his position, and when Ukraine may ultimately break free from Russian military aggression.

Looking back on my long career spanning over five decades, James expressed that it’s been an incredible ride. He feels fortunate to have spent most of his years in a field he passionately cares for – providing entertainment and stirring up opinions, as well as cutting through the unnecessary nonsense!

The outspoken celebrity, who built his career on severing connections with others, humorously commented that it feels like someone has finally unplugged him, given the approaching end of his life.

As he took his final leave, James emphasized the importance of cherishing one’s dear ones tightly. He also expressed his deep affection for his homeland, stating that he believed Britain to be an exceptional nation among all others.

The news of James’ passing was confirmed by his wife Nadine earlier this month, as she shared with the Express: “James peacefully departed this world this morning. It was a tranquil ending, and he left with a content smile.

The producer of James’s Talk TV program also offered a tribute, stating: “My dear friend James Whale has passed away, leaving the world noticeably more silent.

With bravery and quick thinking, he bravely met his end. The broadcasting world has lost a titan, and I’ve lost a dear friend. Farewell, Whaley. You will be deeply missed.

Just moments prior to the announcement of James’s passing, his last article was released, in which he expressed that he was content with leaving now and felt serene following his admission to a hospice.

In an interview with the Daily Express, James shared that he felt optimistic, expressing his appreciation for the dedicated medical staff at The Heart of Kent Hospice.

He shared that he’s been feeling significantly improved within himself ever since he recently moved into a hospice close to his home in Kent, approximately a week ago.

Straight away, I started to improve my mood significantly. I’ve developed a sense of tranquility, surprisingly enough, even though I don’t follow any organized religion.

As a devoted admirer, I find myself standing at life’s finish line, yet I’m far from disheartened. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m ready to embark on this new journey, and a significant part of my serenity stems from the compassionate souls who work here. They’ve crafted an environment where departing feels more like a gentle drift than a turbulent storm, making peace and alleviating pain their utmost priority.

Encouraging a thoughtful approach, James emphasized the importance of discussing one’s end-of-life wishes with loved ones, preferably before any serious illness or imminent death occurs.

James, in a touching display of selflessness near the end, encouraged his followers to contribute to the hospice, as he revealed the substantial expenses involved in maintaining its operations.

Last year, he disclosed that an astounding sum of £7.4 million was spent, with approximately 80% of the funds being raised through fundraising efforts alone.

James said they need £12billion more to build a new hospice.

In his appreciation of the team, James disclosed some behind-the-scenes details about their patient care routine. It turns out that they take breaks to share drinks like cocktails and mocktails, organize themed activities, and occasionally let family pets accompany their loved ones during visits.

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2025-08-11 10:51