James Whale, 72, says ‘nobody is more surprised than me’ to receive MBE in New Year Honours list amid terminal kidney cancer battle

James Whale has spoken out about receiving an MBE as he battles stage four kidney cancer.

The presenter, 72, who has been in radio for 50 years, was included in the New Year Honors list for his services to broadcasting and charity.

James revealed in September that this Christmas could be his last after stopping treatment, with the cancer spreading to his spine, brain and lungs.

James took to .

'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.'

James took to

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.

Whale's 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.

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

Kidney Cancer UK said: 'We are very proud that our Founder and Lifetime President @TheJamesWhale has been awarded an MBE'

Earlier this year, James received the first ever Tric Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting

The 72-year-old presenter is suffering from stage four kidney cancer, which has spread to his spine, brain and lungs, after being diagnosed for the second time in 2020

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.”

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 finishing his treatment, he has chosen “quality of life” over quantity and is focusing on “making memories.”

He told The sun: 'This could be my last Christmas.

'Basically 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.”

The presenter, 72, who has been on radio for 50 years, was included in the New Year Honors list for his services to broadcasting and charity (pictured in 1998)

In September, James explained that he has chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after finishing his treatment (James and wife Nadine pictured in June)

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 off and not see each other,' and she replied, 'Oh, that's nice, so if I've just been diagnosed with a terminal 'You didn't want to come 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.