James Whale
James Whale
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James Whale was born in Ewell, Surrey on 13th May 1951. His radio career started in the early 1970's, at Radio Top Shop on Regent Street in London.
In 1974 he moved to the North East, presenting an evening talk show at Metro Radio. He later moved to the NightOwls programme, simulcast with Radio Tees, where he was renowned for his controversial style on his Late-Night Phone-In Show.
James started presenting at Radio Aire in 1982, after briefly hosting the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Derby.
He joined Radio Aire to host a new late night phone-in show. Due to his popularity, in late 1986 he was asked to present the Breakfast Show, but by early 1987 he was back on the Late-Night Phone-In Show, where he would have more freedom of speech.
In the first hour of his show (between 10pm and 11pm), he would put listeners on air with their ‘Do It Yourself Dedications’ and play their requested songs. After 11pm, he would have a mainly chat format, where he would discuss all kinds of subjects with his listeners, regularly disagreeing with their opinions and often arguing with them and cutting them off.
James Whale on Radio Aire 1987 - 1989
James Whale Jingles
James Whale Phone-in Show
In 1988, the show was also simulcast with Red Rose Radio (later Rock FM, now Hits Radio Lancashire).
On the night of Friday 18 November 1988, James launched his own television show, The James Whale Radio Show.
The programme was broadcast on Yorkshire Television and was a mix of music and chat, simulcast with Radio Aire and Red Rose Radio. It was later shown in other ITV regions as well.
Records
Records
James released 3 singles during his time at Radio Aire;
The Whaley Rap, Wrap it up for Xmas and Bimbo.
Whaley Rap (1987)
I Hear James (On The Radio) - B Side
Wrap It Up For Xmas (1987)
Bimbo (1989)
Newspaper Articles
Newspaper Articles
James left Radio Aire at the end of 1989 to concentrate on his television career, including his programme Whale On in 1993/1994.
In 1994, he returned to radio and joined LBC in London. By 1995, he was presenting on national radio station, TalkSport/TalkRadio until he returned to LBC in 2008.
James left LBC in 2013 and subsequently presented on BBC Radio Essex and BBC Radio Kent.
In 2016, he was in Celebrity Big Brother and was the sixth to be evicted, coming ninth in the series.
Since 2016, James was back on TalkRadio hosting a daily show. He also hosted a show on TalkTV.
On 4th August 2025, James passed away following a long battle with Cancer.
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