Dame Esther Rantzen has died aged 86, prompting tributes to a pioneering broadcaster, charity founder and campaigner whose work had a lasting impact on generations of people across the United Kingdom.
Rantzen was best known for presenting the BBC television programme That’s Life!, which became one of the broadcaster’s most recognisable programmes. Through her television career, she became a familiar and influential figure in British public life.
Beyond broadcasting, Rantzen dedicated much of her later career to charitable work. She founded Childline, the pioneering helpline created to provide support to children experiencing abuse, neglect or other difficulties. The organisation became an important source of help for young people across the UK.
In recent years, Rantzen also became a prominent campaigner for the legalisation of assisted dying, speaking publicly about the issue and taking part in the wider national debate surrounding end-of-life choices.
Following news of her death, her family paid tribute to Rantzen as the “most wonderful mother” and a “cherished grandmother.” Their words reflected the importance of family alongside the public career that made her a household name.
Rantzen’s death marks the end of a remarkable career spanning television, journalism, charitable work and public campaigning. Through That’s Life! she became known for combining entertainment with investigations and human-interest stories, while Childline represented one of her most enduring contributions beyond television.
Her work supporting children and her later advocacy on assisted dying ensured that she remained an active voice on issues affecting vulnerable people and families.
Tributes are expected to continue as colleagues, charities, broadcasters and members of the public remember her contribution to British television and society.
Dame Esther Rantzen is survived by her family, including her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her broadcasting career, her founding of Childline and the causes she championed throughout her life.
This is a developing story. Further details about her death and funeral arrangements are expected to be released by her family.
