Radio titan James Whale has said that he is "surprised" to have been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.
The 71-year-old is currently battling terminal kidney cancer, having been diagnosed in 2020, and has candidly said that this Christmas could have been his last.
Nevertheless Whale continues his 50-year career on the airwaves with a show on talkRADIO and was recognised for his work with an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the latest honours list.
"Nobody could have been more surprised than me thank you to all the guys who made it possible over the years everybody at Talk Radio and TV and everywhere," he wrote on X.
"I've worked since the 70s and the guys that run the Charity kidney cancer UK, thank you all this is for us."
Richard Wallace, head of TalkTV, added: "There are legends - and then there's James Whale.
"This award is a fitting acknowledgment of a maverick talent who has entertained TV and radio audiences with inimitable style for more than 50 years."
Whale's show continues Saturday nights at 7pm on talkRADIO and TalkTV.
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