James Whale sacked

Talksport sacks controversial presenter

James Whale just seems to have been made for radio, his outspoken and brusque views have taken his career far since joining Metro Radio as a 22 year old in 1974. As a late night talk show host I was captivated by his sheer effrontery with most callers and listeners, as a form of entertainment it was savage amusement to an eighteen year old just finding his way in the world here in South Shields.

Whale, now 56, moved down to Leeds to join the fledgling Radio Aire before moving into television with an equally rebellious show which didn’t last too long. Lately, well at least for the past thirteen years, he has been a regular presenter with national Talksport Radio, that is until they sacked him today!

Whale publicly backed Boris on the radio during the London Mayoral election and transgressed Ofcom rules, so he had to go. However, breaking the mould, and bending or breaking a few rules have always been Whale’s stock in trade, it goes with the territory when you hire him, he’s a maverick, a one off.

Perhaps Metro Radio might now be interested in taking him back, I can see a hugely successful double act in the making, Whale and Tony Horne would cause chaos on the airwaves of Tyneside.

“Whale around the Horne” could be the best double act since Prescott and Blair!

Update

TV Scoop is reporting that James Whale has almost instantly been snapped up by Bid TV - weird or what? Looks like Metro has lost out on a golden opportunity.

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