James Whale’s wife has passed away.
The 67-year-old TV host took to Twitter to confirm the sad news, revealing that his wife of 48 years, Melinda Maxted, had died following her being diagnosed with terminal cancer late last year.
James – who starred on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2016 – wrote on Friday (11.05.18): "A couple of hours ago part of my world ended Melinda Jane Whale I love you babe moved on. Rest in light and love. [sic]"
James subsequently thanked his friends and family from supporting him through his heartbreak.
He shared: "Thanks to all of you for helping me through this xxx (sic)"
However, James admitted he’s struggling to come to terms with the situation.
He confessed on the micro-blogging platform: "Woke up from what I thought was a nightmare!!! What do I do now? Thanks for all your thoughts and messages they help a lot can’t believe it. [sic]"
The veteran broadcaster took his dogs for a walk in the sunshine on Sunday (13.05.18), but he later confessed he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to return to work at talkRADIO, where he has his own show.
He said: "Back home strange day ,tomorrow the hell begins I’ll talk a little on @talkRADIO tomorrow but I’ll not do the show just yet. Thanks all. [sic]"
Despite this, James has continued to tweet about Melinda.
His latest message, posted earlier this morning (14.05.18), reads: "Beginning of the first week with out Melinda [love heart emoji] she just told me to put the washing on and get up here we go… [sic]"
James first revealed his wife had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in February.
He shared: "Melinda has stage four lung cancer, it is terminal. She is not expected to live very long, it may be weeks or months. She is having treatment, and I cannot give up that last glimmer of hope.
"But the doctors say I have to face facts. She is dying. The thought of losing her is so painful, it is difficult to even contemplate."