James Whale died at the age of 74 on Monday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Now, his wife Nadine has lifted the lid on what life was like with the illness

James Whale’s wife opens up about caring for someone with terminal cancer TalkTV (Image: TalkTV)

James Whale’s wife Nadine Lamont-Brown has given fans a rare insight into their grueling cancer battle just hours after the presenter died. The pioneer radio presenter passed away peacefully in a Kent hospice on Monday (August 4) at the age of 74 with his wife by his side. She told the Express: “James slipped away very gently this morning. It was a beautiful passing, and he left with a smile on his face.”

The Daily Express columnist beat kidney cancer back in 2000 after being given a 50 per cent chance of survival, but the deadly disease returned five years ago, spreading to his brain, lungs and spine. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his son Peter Whale.

She revealed they tied the knot so quickly after finding out about James’ illness (Image: TalkTV)\

As the country mourns his loss, TalkTV have published a TV special in honour of the broadcaster, featuring an interview with the happy couple. In the tribute episode, Nadine opened up about why the couple decided to tie the knot so soon after meeting.

She told viewers: “It’s sad in a way because we obviously aren’t going to have as much time as we would have liked to have had but that’s why we got married quite quickly.

“I think it was like a year after my husband had died and normally you would leave things longer but by then we knew that James was ill, so we didn’t have that luxury of time.

“It’s obviously challenging and it doesn’t seem fair sometimes because we had some good plans of things we won’t be able to do now but we still enjoy every day.”

The pair then went on to talk about their weekly podcast where they share the trials and tribulations that come with having and caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Nadine chuckled: “I don’t understand why anyone likes to listen to us have a chat but they seem to like it. On Saturday mornings we just sit on the sofa or the bed, normally with the dogs woofing and just have a chat about what’s happened that week.”

It didn’t take long before fans flooded to social media to pass on their sympathies to the grieving widow and share their fond memories of the broadcaster online.

One user penned: “Grew up listening to James, phones in a couple of times. Hopwfully he passed knowing he brought entertainment and happiness to many people. A true broadcasting legend, rest in peace.”

Anotehr agreed: “I first recall James around 1992 when staying at my brother’s student flat and catching his late night show, it felt so edgy and grown up. Then listened and watched him through the years after, his long battle with cancer I admired his stoicism – he always seemed very philosophical about life. I knew this day was coming and i was dreading it, another lovely person gone, ill never forget you James, may you rest in peace sweet man [heart emoji].”

A third echoed: “God bless you James Whale, thank you for all the wonderful entertainment you gave, it had always been such fun to listen to your call ins and chat shows, a great character and so brave. Rest in Peace and we’ll see you on the other side. Love & comfort to your family.”