Lizzie Cundy looks incredible in sparkly dress as she celebrates TalkTV star James Whale’s MBE at Mayfair bash
LIZZIE Cundy looked incredible in a sparkly dress as she celebrated James Whale’s MBE at a Mayfair bash on Wednesday.
Broadcaster Lizzie, 55, stunned onlookers in the feathered number while posing by the bar inside Langan’s Brasserie in London.
The TV personality accentuated her natural beauty with a full face of make-up and styled her brunette locks over her shoulder.
She elevated her height with dazzling silver heels while toting her essentials around in a cream handbag.
Lizzie is a longtime friend of James‘, having worked as a contributor and co-host on his TalkTV show over the past decade.
Hundreds turned out for the £80,000 party for James, which was generously thrown by businessman Charlie Mullins and organised by his pals Chuck Thomas and Andre Walker.
A whole host of stars attended in honour of James who had earlier received an MBE from Princess Anne.
Game of Thrones actor James Cosmo, radio star Chris Moyles, GB News anchor Eamonn Holmes and singer Matt Goss were among the big names on the guest list.
Nigel Farage, Jeremy Kyle, Sue Pollard, Mike Graham, Kevin O’Sullivan all delivered hysterical roasts as they paid tribute to James and his 50-year career in the industry.
In December, James was named in the King’s New Year Honours List for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting.
The powerhouse presenter, who has been a staple of the airwaves for 50 years, was joined by his wife Nadine as they headed to Windsor Castle on Wednesday to receive his MBE.
James, who is living with terminal cancer, told The Sun: “I’m exceptionally thrilled as somebody who’s been able to enjoy their job for their entire life and receiving an award like this is just the best.
“I should be celebrating Saturday night on my TalkTV and radio show from seven and I’m also very grateful that it’ll be bringing attention to those of us who suffer with kidney cancer and the charity I started nearly 20 years ago Kidney Cancer UK.”
James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the concept of the late night radio phone-in.
Fifty years on, James can still be seen hosting the phone-in, every Saturday night on TalkTV and TalkRadio.
In 1988, after gaining a loyal legion of listeners who loved his unique acerbic and incisive style, The James Whale Radio Show was simulcast live on television every Friday night on ITV, pulling in over one million viewers.
James went on to host Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, Talk About for BBC One, and more recently appeared on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother. His autobiography, A Lifetime Of Night-Time was published in 2008.
After battling kidney cancer in 2000, James launched the charity, Kidney Cancer UK, to increase knowledge and awareness, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatment of the disease.
Kidney Cancer UK has raised over £4million to support kidney cancer patients.
In 2020, James revealed the disease had returned and spread to his spine, brain and lungs, and has shared his ongoing cancer battle candidly with listeners and viewers over the past few years.
Last year, James was awarded the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting, with his “true grit and determination to entertain and inform the nation every week”, not least in the face of his illness.
Richard Wallace, Head of TalkTV, said: “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.”
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting, added, “James is not only a giant of radio and television, but one of the loveliest men I’ve ever met.
“His contribution to the industry and to charity over the years has been remarkable. I can think of no one more deserving of this honour.”
