Celebrity Big Brother star spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid terminal cancer battle

Famous Big Brother star James Whale spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid a terminal battle with cancer.

James, 73, is battling stage four kidney cancer which has spread to his spine, brain and lungs and had said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment.

He was admitted to hospital with the flu a week ago and was released from the ICU on Monday and will continue to recover at home.

His relieved wife Nadine, 59, told fans: ‘After a worrying week I’m pleased to report that @THEJamesWhale has left intensive care and is back home after beating the Grim Reaper again.

‘This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.”

James was awarded an MBE in April for services to broadcasting and charity.

Stepping out on the special day, James wore a navy blue suit, crisp white shirt and blue patterned tie.

Next to him, Nadine looked beautiful in a white dress and light blue coat and wore a matching hat.

After hearing about his MBE milestone last December, James said: “No one could have been more surprised than me, thank you to all the guys who have made this possible over the years, everyone at Talk Radio and TV and everywhere.

‘I’ve been working since the 1970s and to the guys who run the Charity Kidney Cancer UK, thank you for making this all for us.’

Kidney Cancer UK said: ‘We are very proud that our Founder and Lifetime President @TheJamesWhale has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honors List. Congratulations James.’

James began his career at Metro Radio in 1974, where he pioneered the late-night radio telephone entry.

He rose to fame in the 1980s with his frank style, dry humor and no-nonsense approach on the late night program The James Whale Radio Show, which gained him a legion of loyal listeners.

The presenter then spent 13 years at TalkSport before presenting the drivetime show on LBC and the breakfast show on BBC Essex.

During his career he also presented Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, and Talk About for BBC One.

His autobiography Almost A Celebrity: A Lifetime Of Night-Time was published in 2008 and he later launched a new version of The James Whale Radio Show.

Last year he received the first ever Tric Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting.

Richard Wallace, head of TalkTV, said of the MBE: ‘There are legends – and then there’s James Whale. This award is a fitting recognition for an idiosyncratic talent who has been entertaining TV and radio audiences with an inimitable style for more than 50 years.’

Dennie Morris, director of audio and news broadcasts, said: “James is not only a giant of radio and television, but one of the sweetest men I have ever met.

“His contribution to the industry and to charities over the years has been remarkable. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

In October, James shared his anguish with the British public over the loss of his third dog in just ten months.

The prominent media personality recently lost his canine companion Daisy last week due to a tumor in her nose.

Well known to reality TV fans, Daisy made her way onto the nation’s screens in 2016 when she entered the Big Brother house with James.

Her death follows that of LouLou, who died of lung cancer in January this year, and Muttley, who died of old age just a month later in February.

The presenter, who boasts more than five decades of broadcasting experience, is now best known for his quirky commentary show that airs on Talk TV.

Whale also wrote a weekly Daily Express column every Monday, conveying his heartbreak to readers in an emotional tribute to his beloved Daisy.

He wrote: ‘I had to put Daisy to rest due to a tumor in her nose. She was the most famous of the trio when she entered the Big Brother house with me eight years ago.

“And she was adored by everyone,” the former BBC and Talk Radio presenter added.

James addressed the fact that he has now lost three dogs in such a short space of time and discussed the ‘unconditional love’ he had for each of them.

‘I’m devastated. The unconditional love that dogs give you is amazing. Unless you have experienced the loss of a pet, it is impossible to understand.”

In a final moving testimony, Whales concluded by saying; “Hello Daisy dog ​​as you trot over the rainbow bridge. Lady W and I will always love you.”

James was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2020. He was previously given just three months to live when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000.

In September, James explained that after completing his treatment, he has chosen “quality of life” over quantity and is focusing on “making memories.”

He told it The sun: ‘This could be my last Christmas. In short, I have to choose between the quality and the quantity of life and I chose quality so that I can have a good time and make beautiful memories with my lovely wife, Nadine.

‘I’ve had a good life, I can’t complain. But I’m just going to make the next few months as entertaining and interesting as possible, and that’s all any of us can do.”

Elsewhere in the interview, James spoke heartbreakingly about the struggles of his terminal cancer, admitting he doesn’t want to feel as unwell as he does now ‘forever’.

The TV personality also reflected on his marriage to wife Nadine, saying he told her to “cool down” their romance when he was first diagnosed with cancer when they first started dating.

He said: ‘It was so unfair to her, so I said, ‘I think we should cool it and not see each other,’ and she replied: ‘Oh that’s nice, so if I’ve just been diagnosed with a terminal illness ‘You didn’t want to see me anymore’, so we moved on.’

They then married at Tenterden Town Hall in Kent in October 2021, surrounded by their loved ones, with Nadine saying they didn’t have the ‘luxury’ of time.

James lost his first wife Melinda to lung cancer in May 2018.

James and Melinda were married for 48 years and had two sons James and Peter. They also have two teenage grandchildren, Oscar and Ella.