TalkTV legend James Whale to get special honour at TRIC Awards as co-stars including Piers Morgan bag nominations
TALKTV legend James Whale is to be awarded the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work in the TV, radio and online industry.
James, 71, is a pioneer in the speech radio and TV medium, laying the foundations for so many to thrive in this genre.
The TV favourite – who is also living with stage four kidney cancer – has dedicated over 50 years of his life to being a broadcaster, author and podcaster.
He has he has shown true grit and determination to entertain and inform the nation every week, and in recent years on the James Whale Unleashed show on TalkTV.
The Recognition Award is actually the third TRIC Award James has received.
TRIC credited him first back in 1976, and eight years later in 1984 for his contribution to journalism.
TRIC Chair Daniel Todaro said: “James Whale is an innovator within broadcast media as a pioneer of the talk radio and laterally the talk TV genre in the UK.
“So many have carved out a career in the talk genre but James remains the king of the UK talk show.
“TRIC is not only honoured bur delighted to recognise an individual whose career has spanned many generations.”
James could also pick up another prize at this year’s TRIC Awards.
The broadcaster has been nominated in the Radio Personality longlist, which is decided by the public.
Last November James shared a heartbreaking revelation regarding his terminal cancer while opening up about his chemotherapy battle.
He revealed he has just months to live – two years after he announced the disease had spread to his spine, brain, kidney and lungs.
During his poignant speech at the British Curry Awards in London, James put on a brave face while discussing his prognosis.
He told the audience: “I know a lot of you won’t like me, but this time next year I won’t be here. I have terminal cancer.
“As you might be able to hear, I am having chemotherapy which makes it harder for me to breathe, but I’m OK. Don’t worry.
“I am in my 70s now and I just want to say don’t waste your time on stupid things that don’t matter. 25 years later I’ve got it again.
“I’m 71 and I’ve had a great life.”
James is be joined in the nominations by fellow TalkTV host Piers Morgan, who is up for two – Best News Presenter and Best Interviewer for his explosive Cristiano Ronaldo interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
Vanessa Feltz – who presents her drivetime show which packs a punch with fiery political debates all the latest from Parliament, and exclusive interviews with big-name celebrities – is in the running with for Best Radio Personality.
While the Queen of Breakfast Julia Hartley-Brewer is up for Best Radio Programme, for The Julia Hartley-Brewer Breakfast Show.
You can vote on the TRIC website and across social media platforms. The vote has been extended to 5pm on Friday 19th May.