Veteran Broadcaster And TalkTV Host James Whale Receives MBE

Whale, known for his blunt on-air style, is living with terminal kidney cancer after first being diagnosed in 2000. (Screengrab via YouTube/TalkTV)

Veteran broadcaster and TalkTV host James Whale was awarded Wednesday with an MBE in recognition of his extensive service to broadcasting and charity work.

After a presentation at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne, celebrations moved to Mayfair’s Langan’s Brasserie where TalkTV colleagues Vanessa Feltz and Jeremy Kyle were joined by GB News presenters, including Nigel Farage, and entertained by Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un impersonators.

The 72-year-old presenter, known for his blunt on-air style, has been living with terminal kidney cancer for nearly four years after first being diagnosed in 2000. Despite the prognosis, Whale reflected that his spirits were lifted by the recognition of his half-century career in broadcasting and philanthropy.

He said: “The award has been the pinnacle of doing what I’ve done… It makes me feel very proud that somebody has recognized the fact that I’ve spent my entire life being rude to people for entertainment.

He also reflected on his health struggles: “I didn’t think I’d be here to receive this… But who knows? I’ve been terminally ill now for nearly four years – 25 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.”

Kidney Cancer UK expressed pride in Whale’s achievement, affirming his impact both as a broadcaster and a charity advocate.