Veteran broadcaster and Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen dies at 86

Veteran broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has passed away at the age of 86 following her terminal lung cancer diagnosis. Her family announced the sad news, sharing tributes to a beloved mother and grandmother who left a profound mark on British television and public life.

In a statement delivered to PA, her three children expressed their immense grief while celebrating her life. They described her as their adored mother and a cherished grandmother to her five grandchildren, noting her endless capacity for joy and expert guidance. Her family highlighted that she is finally at rest with her late husband, Desmond Wilcox.

Her enduring legacy includes founding the vital charities Childline, a confidential counselling service for young people in distress, and The Silver Line, which supports older people facing loneliness and isolation. Figures from across broadcasting and politics, including Lorraine Kelly and Dame Priti Patel, shared heartfelt tributes following her passing, remembering her as a remarkable journalist, forthright public figure, and dedicated campaigner.

Dame Esther became a household name starring in the popular BBC television programme That's Life!, which ran for decades and cemented her place in British culture. Reflecting on her career in later years, she expressed deep gratitude for the friendships and collaborative work she shared with the show's team over a span of 50 years.

In January 2023, she publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. At the time, she chose to share the facts directly with the public rather than conceal her illness, using the moment to express profound thanks to everyone who had filled her life with fun and inspiration.

In her final years, Dame Esther became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying, revealing in December 2023 that she had joined the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland. She openly discussed her wish to avoid a painful death that might overshadow her family's happy memories of her, while leading petitions to force parliamentary debates on the topic in the UK.

Although she had made plans and joined Dignitas, her condition ultimately progressed to the point where she was physically too fragile to make the journey. In a statement issued earlier in September, she explained that by the time life became unbearable, she was unable to travel and complete the process.

The family has kindly requested privacy and time to grieve while the nation reflects on the remarkable life and enduring contributions of a pioneering broadcaster and compassionate advocate.