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James Whale's poignant final message in last TV interview two weeks before death

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James Whale issued a poignant message in his final TV appearance just two weeks before his death aged 74. He sat down for one final interview for TalkTV from his garden in Kent amid the end of his cancer treatment.

The broadcaster was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2020. Just last month, he revealed he was struggling to breathe, talk, hear and think as he entered week seven of his 12 week prognosis.

It comes as it was confirmed that James has sadly died today with his beloved wife by his side.

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In the interview, James admitted his speech had become slow and he was forgetful, while also suffering pressure sores. In 2020, he revealed the disease had spread to his spine, brain, and lungs.

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James made his final TV appearance just two weeks ago as he interviewed Nigel Farage. He conducted his last interview in the garden of his home in Kent and looked back at his long career.

The broadcaster kicked off the chat with a poignant message: "Welcome to what maybe, my last interview. I have spent 50 years on the TV and radio and I have had a great time.

"In fact, actually a man who could spend the next 50 years on TV and radio is my next guest, Nigel Farage." At the end of the interview, he told Farage: "I hope I have got more than a few weeks."

"You never know, miracles do happen," Farage told him. James replied: "They do," before saying his career had been a mircale.

He added: "Considering I had no A Levels, O Levels, CSEs or even a letter after my name for broadcasting." Announcing his death, TalkTV said: "We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

"As a broadcasting legend for over 50-years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family."

His wife, Nadine, confirmed that James died earlier today. 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."

In his final newspaper column, which was released just one day before his death, James said: "What's surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since finally moving into a hospice near my home in Kent a week or so back.

"I began to feel better immediately. More positive. I feel at peace here, even though I'm not a religious person." He went on to write for the Daily Express:"I know I've reached the end of my life but I'm quite sanguine about it.

"Despite everything, I'm happy to go now and a lot of that is due to the people who work here, because they make dying as peaceful and pain-free as possible."

Back in May, James told his fans he was "at the end" of his cancer journey as he announced the last of his long-running TalkTV programme. James sadly revealed his condition had worsened and that treatment was no longer an option.

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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