James Whale’s funeral: Eamonn Holmes joins Lizzie Cundy, Nigel Farage and Matt Goss leading the mourners following his tragic death from cancer aged 74

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On Monday, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, participated in a burial ceremony where James Whale was laid to rest under a shower of arrows.

Last month, at the age of 74, James, known for his lively and unconventional radio discussions, passed away after a prolonged struggle with cancer.

Over the course of six decades, the illustrious broadcaster made his mark on the world of broadcasting, with Katie Hopkins accompanying him in a formal attire (dark suit and black tie) being escorted into the ceremony by Lizzie Cundy.

At the farewell event held in the charming medieval church of St. Nicholas, located in the scenic Kent village of Sandway close to Maidstone, were also present celebrities such as television personality Richard Eammon Holmes, musician Matthew Goss, and comedian Robert Davro.

At the funeral, other attendees were soul artist Leee John from the group Imagination, as well as the renowned actor Christopher Biggins. The event concluded with a gathering in James’s local pub to pay tribute to him after the church service.

During the service, it was mentioned: “The family requested that we remember James as he wished us to. In his own words, ‘I don’t desire a solemn wake; instead, I want a celebration.’

At the funeral, due to high attendance, there were white wooden chairs set up outdoors for those attending to sit and watch the event as it unfolded in real-time via a live broadcast.

In his speech, James Junior recounted: ‘When Dad was initially diagnosed, they took out one of his kidneys. I went to see him in the hospital, and all he could do was grip my hand tightly. That moment is as vivid to me now as if it happened just yesterday.’

While he was recuperating, I was struck by his infectious optimism, which eventually led him to dedicate himself to charitable causes. Upon his second diagnosis, I accompanied him on numerous trips to London for medical appointments – a time that coincided with our recent loss of my mother to cancer, forcing us to confront the disease once more.

After he was recovering, I found myself impressed by his uplifting spirit and later saw him commit to charitable work. Upon his second diagnosis, I assisted in driving him to appointments in London, a situation that unfortunately occurred shortly after we had lost my mother to cancer and found ourselves dealing with the disease once more.

In conclusion, he expressed his sentiments by stating: “I truly love you, Dad. Thank you for all the wonderful moments we shared. I’ll give you countless kisses.

His widow, Nadine, offered a tribute as well: “Seven years ago was when I first crossed paths with James. Although our time spent together was limited due to his illness, it was nothing short of marvelous. It stands as proof that profound, genuine love can be discovered even later in life.

‘We spent a significant amount of time laughing, crying, expressing our dreams and worries. Despite his occasional irritating behaviors, he quickly felt like an inseparable confidant, my dearest friend.’

James was a genuine individual who elicited strong feelings, despite his unconventional approach to diplomacy. He always spoke openly about his thoughts and remained composed until the very end. I feel an immense sense of pride in being his wife.

She mentioned that James had no preference for a conventional wooden basket; instead, they considered a willow option. In the end, it turned out to be a woven wool one.

To the amusement of the crowd, she jokingly remarked, “I hope he isn’t upset with me because this gift is eco-friendly.

Nadine mentioned that he would like to be ‘laid to rest wearing the outfit he had on when receiving his MBE, along with his headphones and a small arrow.’

Throughout his professional journey, Whale worked at the BBC, LBC, Talk Radio, and made an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. In the year 2000, he was initially diagnosed with kidney cancer, and unfortunately, the disease reoccurred in 2020.

The event started 15 minutes late due to the musicians getting stuck in a traffic jam, causing guests to socialize within the church and outside under the pleasant sunshine, with the hearse transporting the coffin parked close by.

The church was adorned with a coffin made of intertwined wood, draped in a combination of pink, white, and red roses as the popular song “When Will I be Famous” by Bros echoed through the air. Following closely behind was his wife, Nadine Lamont Brown.

Previously known “Game of Thrones” actor James Como recently took the stage for a captivating performance, accompanied by Shirley Lewis, who was once a backup singer for George Michael, as they both sang “Hallelujah”.

In the year 2000, a much-adored radio host received a devastating cancer diagnosis. Medical professionals estimated that within just three months, prior to having a surgery to excise one of his kidneys, he would no longer be with us.

Six years after experiencing a triumphant surgical procedure, I felt compelled to give back by establishing the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer. This charitable initiative aims to finance kidney cancer research and boost public awareness about the condition.

Sadly, in the year 2020, his cancer came back, and what was discovered was that it had not only recurred but also advanced to affect his spinal cord, brain, and lungs.

In the year 2021, James got married again, this time to tax advisor Nadine Lamont Brown, during a heartfelt wedding ceremony held at Tenterden Town Hall, located in Kent.

He later credited his wife Nadine with giving him the strength to continue fighting cancer. 

In the joint interview with Nadine, he explained that his motivation for considering Dignitas wasn’t about him, but rather, it stemmed from concern for others.

I don’t fear death. Instead, I wish for my final resting place to be in the churchyard on the hilltop. The vista from there is truly magnificent.

However, James shared that he was pleased he hadn’t chosen to go since those two years have been wonderful with his partner, Nadine.

In a farewell piece published in the Express shortly after his passing, James penned some final thoughts for his devoted followers, contemplating his life journey and his ongoing struggle with cancer.

The individual, referencing a “grand broadcasting studio up above,” shared his closing reflections before his departure, adding humorously that even in death, he wouldn’t be able to stay silent.

Through a mix of sadness and acceptance, he acknowledged his inevitable future, despite not wishing for it. He expressed regret that he won’t get the chance to spend one final joyous holiday season with his dear ones.

He wrote: “I can confidently assert that I won’t be able to celebrate Christmas this year. This realization fills me with a level of sadness I struggle to express, causing many tears – but I must accept the circumstances as they are presented to me.

Speaking about his recent health issues, he noted, “The last couple of months have been challenging for me. Until a few months ago, I could make it to the Talk studios without much hassle to record my weekly shows.

James further explained that as he balanced his job responsibilities with frequent medical visits, life became increasingly challenging. In a light-hearted remark, he added, “I’m exhausted.

He emphasized that he has managed to get this far thanks to more than just the support of the NHS. Alongside his wife, Nadine, who they’ve been married for four years, his cherished family members, and the encouragement from his listeners and readers have all played significant roles in keeping him motivated.

In his article, James expressed his fascination regarding the upcoming political landscape, such as: will Reform UK triumph in the forthcoming general election, will Keir Starmer remain in power, and ultimately, will Ukraine manage to break free from Russian military aggression.

Looking back at his long career spanning over five decades, James expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “It’s been an incredible ride! I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked consistently for so many years in a field that brings me joy – entertaining, challenging, and even provoking audiences across different platforms. I hope I’ve managed to cut through some of the unnecessary noise along the way!

The outspoken celebrity remarked that throughout his career, he had often found it necessary to sever connections with others. With a hint of irony, he stated that just as others had done to him in the past, now his own opportunities seemed to be disappearing, implying the end of his life.

As he took his final leave, James emphasized the importance of cherishing one’s loved ones. He also expressed his deep affection for his homeland, stating that, in his opinion, Britain stood out as the finest nation on earth.

Earlier this month, James’s spouse, Nadine, verified his demise, stating to The Express: ‘This morning, James passed away peacefully. His departure was graceful, and he had a content smile on his face as he went.’

The producer of James’s Talk TV program also offered a tribute, stating: “My dear friend James Whale is no longer with us, leaving the world significantly less vibrant.

As an ardent admirer, I stepped up to face the inevitable with both bravery and quick-wittedness. The world of broadcasting just lost one of its titans. A cherished companion is now gone. Farewell, Whaley, your absence will be deeply felt. Adieu.

In true devotion, I stood tall against the impending end with unwavering courage and sharp humor. Broadcasting just said goodbye to a titan. I’ve lost a friend. Au revoir Whaley, your absence will be profoundly missed.

Just moments prior to the announcement of James’s passing, his last newspaper piece was published, where he expressed contentment about departing and feeling tranquil following his admission to a hospice.

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

Reflecting on my recent transition, I must admit that the unexpected joy comes from within, ever since I moved into the tranquil hospice nestled near my beloved Kent home. The peace and comfort it offers have transformed not only my environment but also my well-being in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Immediately, I started experiencing an improvement – a surge of positivity. Here, I find a sense of tranquility, surprisingly, despite not being particularly religious.

Although I recognize that my life has come to an end, I find myself at peace with this reality. In spite of all the challenges, I am content to move on now. A significant part of this serenity stems from the wonderful people here who work tirelessly to ensure that the process is as comfortable and pain-free as possible, making the transition as peaceful as can be.

Encouraging a serious consideration of mortality, James emphasized the importance of discussing one’s preferences with dear ones well before any potential illness or critical health situations arise.

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2025-09-08 17:05