Dame Esther Rantzen, Broadcaster And Founder Of Childline, Has Died Aged 86

Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster who fronted That's Life! for two decades and went on to found Childline, has died at the age of 86.

Her family announced her death in a statement on Wednesday, according to Sky News and the BBC.

What Happened

Her family paid tribute to a "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother" whose compassion would live on through her charities. They said they hoped the "humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work may continue to inspire you."

She had been terminally ill with lung cancer. The BBC reports she revealed her diagnosis in January 2023, and in December 2023 said she had joined Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying clinic.

Earlier this month, she told the Press Association that she had "spent the money and made the plans" to travel there but was now "too physically fragile to make the journey."

A Career That Changed Lives

Rantzen presented and produced That's Life! on the BBC from 1973 to 1994. The BBC says it regularly drew 20 million viewers with a mix of consumer investigations and light-hearted items.

Its most-watched episode, in 1988, saw Sir Nicholas Winton meet for the first time some of the people he had saved from the Holocaust.

She launched Childline in 1986, a counselling service for children and young people. In 2013 she started the Silver Line to support older people facing isolation and loneliness. She was made a dame in 2015 for services to children and older people.

She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, First Dates and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

The Assisted Dying Campaign

In later life, Rantzen became one of the most prominent voices calling for assisted dying to be legalised.

The BBC reports she spoke of her "great relief" when MPs backed proposals in December 2024, before the bill stalled in the House of Lords. A fresh attempt this September failed in the Commons. She called that "deeply sad" and added: "I am sure a change in the law will come."

The issue remains deeply contested, and some disability campaigners described the latest vote as a "victory."

The Tributes

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said she had "changed countless lives" and that he would always admire her "courage and openness" in speaking about her illness.

BBC director-general Matt Brittin called her a "legend of British broadcasting" whose contribution was "immeasurable."

NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said she went to "exceptional lengths" to make sure children had somewhere to turn.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who sponsored the assisted dying bill, described her as a mix of "strength and feistiness" and "deep compassion and kindness."

What Happens Next

The BBC will show a special programme, Esther!, presented by Katie Razzall. It is on iPlayer now and airs on BBC One at 7.30pm on Friday 2 October.

Childline and the Silver Line continue her work.

What is your favourite memory of Esther Rantzen, from That's Life! to Childline? Share it in the comments below.

Sources: BBC News | Sky News