James Whale has heartbreakingly revealed that he has just weeks left to live, issuing a deeply emotional apology during the latest episode of his TalkTV podcast, The Tales of the Whales.
The 74-year-old broadcaster, who was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2019, told listeners on July 19 that he is nearing the end of his battle. Joined by his wife Nadine Lamont, James opened the show with a blunt confession: “First of all, I’m sorry for being grumpy, okay? I can’t breathe, I can’t think, I can’t talk.”
He went on to remind fans that doctors had given him a prognosis of just 12 weeks maximum to live — and that seven of those weeks have already passed. Nadine gently corrected him during the show, saying: “You’ve been telling everyone it’s 12 days, which isn’t true. We just don’t know how long, so let’s make the most of the time we have.”
James, who recently recorded what he called his “final interview,” shared that the effects of his cancer are intensifying. The disease has now spread to his kidney, spine, and lungs, and he also has a tumour pressing on his brain’s temporal lobe — causing memory issues, slurred speech, and swelling in his legs.
Due to his declining condition, the couple has decided to limit visits to only “very close friends and family” starting this week. Nadine explained: “You’ve said you’re getting really tired now, so that’s it — no more visits outside the inner circle.”
James also admitted how frustrating it’s become: “I still can’t hear very well, which is more annoying than anything else, but I’m just very slow now… and forgetful.”
