Talk presenter James Whale has died aged 74, following a long illness. He had been living with cancer for several years.
Talk confirmed the news today, describing the broadcaster as a titan of the industry whose influence spanned more than six decades.
An on-air obituary was read by presenter Mike Graham, who called James “a pioneer of late night radio” and credited him with helping shape the modern talk format in the UK.
“James began his remarkable career in the early 1970s when he pioneered a new kind of radio in Britain, the late night shock jock phone-in,” said Mike. “By the late 1980s, the James Whale radio show had become a cultural phenomenon, broadcasting every weekend on ITV.”
James became a household name through his distinctive broadcasting style, later hosting programmes across ITV, Sky and the BBC, as well as returning to his radio roots at talkRADIO in 2016. He also appeared on *Celebrity Big Brother*, attracting a new generation of fans.
In 2006, James publicly shared his kidney cancer diagnosis, later founding Kidney Cancer UK and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours last year in recognition of his contribution to broadcasting and charity.
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting, said: “James was the godfather of speech radio, and there will never be another like him.”
Earlier this month, James recorded a final interview from his home in Kent with long-time friend Nigel Farage, reflecting on his career and his views on the changing media and political landscape.
Talk said James would be remembered not only as a broadcaster but also as “a companion, a provocateur, and a good friend”.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk