TV and radio icon James Whale has been admitted to intensive care as he battles cancer.
The former Celebrity Big Brother star, who appeared on the show in 2016, was hospitalised with flu over the festive period, leading to a stint in intensive care.
His wife shared the worrying news but confirmed that the 73-year-old is now back home recuperating. She informed his online followers: “After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again.”
She added: “This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.” James was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer four years ago and continues to defy expectations despite concerns he wouldn’t see another Christmas.
In April, while receiving his MBE, he confessed he thought his days were numbered. He has been battling cancer since 2000 when he first had a kidney removed, the Mirror reports.
In 2020, the TalkTV presenter revealed that the cancer had aggressively returned, affecting his remaining kidney, spine, brain, and lungs. Speaking to PA news agency after his MBE award, he expressed surprise at being able to attend.
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He said: “I didn’t think I’d be here to receive this. But who knows? I’ve been terminally ill now for nearly four years. Twenty five years ago I had the original cancer. So I might make the end of this year, I might not. I might be around next year.”
He remained positive, however, saying: “I think you’ve got to be positive. I know it’s getting a bit worse than it was. You just have to go with the flow really. You have to do that to get through it. One in two of us is going to go on this journey until they find a cure. They will find a cure. But you have to make the most of it.”
Reflecting on his life journey he noted: “When you’re my age and I’ve had a good life you say maybe you have another year left. Four years ago, we thought we had months.”
The revered presenter recalled his rise to fame with the James Whale Show in the 1980s, which aired on both Radio Aire in Leeds and ITV. His illustrious career spans five decades, during which time he has made a name for himself in broadcasting and charity work, culminating in an MBE.
He stated: “The award has been the pinnacle of doing what I’ve done. It makes me feel very proud that somebody has recognised the fact that I’ve spent my entire life being rude to people for entertainment. If my parents were alive, they would be in tears. It’s a great honour at the end of your life.”
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