Veteran broadcaster James Whale has opened up about his final chapter with honesty, humour, and deep gratitude. The 74-year-old, battling stage-four cancer, says he has “found peace” since moving into the Heart of Kent Hospice, just days after deciding he would not return to hospital.
“I told Nadine I won’t go back to the hospital,” he revealed. “I want to die somewhere peaceful and tranquil, and this is the place for me. I’m lucky to be here.”
Despite not being religious, James says the palliative care team has transformed his final days. “What’s surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since coming here. I immediately felt more positive. I know I’ve reached the end of my life, but I’m quite sanguine about it. I’m happy to go now, and a lot of that is thanks to the incredible people who work here.”
His wife, Nadine Lamont-Brown, recently shared a touching photo of James at the hospice, looking peaceful and smiling. She’s also been allowed to bring their dogs in to visit — a gesture James deeply cherishes.
The beloved radio star has stepped back from his TALK show and recorded the final episode of his podcast Tales of the Whales after losing his voice. However, he intends to continue writing his Daily Express column as long as he can.
Earlier this month, he conducted his final broadcast interview from the garden of his Kent home — a conversation with longtime friend Nigel Farage, who told James he believed he was “on track to become the UK’s next prime minister.”
James has also drawn attention to the funding challenges facing hospices, revealing that his local service requires £12 million to build a new facility. “That’s a ton more fundraising and a lot of cake sales,” he quipped. “By 2040, there’ll be more deaths than births in the area — so help them if you can.”
In his last days, James Whale continues to inspire not only with his courage but with his wit, wisdom, and unshakable sense of dignity.
