The funeral of radio star James Whale was held in Maidstone, Kent, as figures from the worlds of entertainment and politics gathered to pay their final respects today
Broadcasting personality James Whale was laid to rest on Monday afternoon following his death at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. His career in broadcasting spanned six decades, and his funeral in Maidstone, Kent, was attended by numerous family members and well-known figures.
Among those paying their respects was GB News host Eamonn Holmes, dressed in a classic black suit and tie with a white shirt. He was seen in his mobility chair on the grounds of the medieval St Nicholas Church, wearing black aviator sunglasses. Other notable attendees included Bros singer Matt Goss, TalkTV host Jeremy Kyle, and comedian Bobby Davro.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage opted for a dark navy suit and was photographed arriving at the service alongside presenter Lizzie Cundy, who wore a black dress, matching hat and large sunglasses. The funeral was also attended by actor Christopher Biggins and soul singer Lee John from the group Imagination, the Express reports.
Nearly 200 mourners filled St Nicholas’ Church in Boughton Malherbe, near Whale’s Kent home, with attendees even spilling into the churchyard.
James was laid to rest in a woven wool coffin, carried into the striking Grade II-listed church to When Will I Be Famous by Bros. Later, singer Matt Goss performed In The Wee Small Hours and Unforgettable for those gathered. Readings were delivered by Braveheart actor James Cosmo and MP Tom Tugendhat.
After the service, James’ family and late wife Nadine Lamont-Brown, welcomed attendees to his favourite local pub to continue honouring the beloved presenter.
Speaking from the heart about her late husband, Nadine said: “I first met James seven years ago, and although our time together was short, it was truly wonderful despite his illness, and it is a testament to the fact that it is possible to find true, deep love late in life.
“We laughed together a lot, cried, shared our hopes and fears and he instantly became my best friend – even though he could be annoying at times.”
She continued: “James was a man who stirred emotions, controversial, diplomatic, but authentic, he said what he felt. He never made a fuss, even towards the end. I am so proud to be us wife.”
A grieving Nadine also revealed that James would be laid to rest in the same suit he wore when he was awarded his MBE.
She concluded her heartfelt tribute by saying: “There will never be a day when I don’t miss him I but look forward to the day when we see each other again.”
James’ brother, Keith, an Anglican vicar who officiated the service, addressed the mourners, saying: “He lived to broadcast. It energised him. When he went to work he looked so much better.”
He spoke movingly about how his older brother left school with just one CSE in religious studies due to dyslexia, yet demonstrated remarkable intelligence despite being let down by the education system.
Keith said: “His dyslexia was never recognised when he was young. He was ‘word blind’ and ‘stupid’ so he left school at 15 to get a job. And from that he became an MBE and changed the face of the work he did. His professional impact was enormous.”
Other family members, including James’ two sons, Peter and James Jr also paid their respects with a touching tribute.
Following the service, the veteran journalist was carried from the church through an arch of bows and laid to rest in an “English churchyard under an English sky,” fulfilling his final wish. As his coffin was lowered, an archer released three ‘whistling arrows’ in a moving tribute.
Known for his good humour and stoicism, James documented his battles with illness in the pages of the Express and through his popular podcast, Tales of the Whales, with Nadine, his second wife whom he married in October 2021.
He penned a final, posthumous column for the Daily Express opening with the line: “If you’re reading this then I’m dead.” Readers compared it to Spike Milligan’s famous headstone inscription: “I told you I was ill.”
In it, he wrote movingly: “There’s a quiet spot near some trees where I hope people will come and visit me. It’s a tiny church. When Nadine rang, the warder told her: ‘He’d better be quick, it’s filling up fast!’ But what a privilege being buried in England. Under an English sky (and, yes, with English rain).”
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