Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has paid tribute to his former dance partner, Dame Esther Rantzen, following her death aged 86, praising her "extraordinary career" and calling her "wonderful".
The broadcaster and campaigner has been remembered by a host of celebrities after her family announced her death in an emotional statement that described her as "the most wonderful mother" and a "cherished grandmother".
Dame Esther became a household name after hosting That's Life!, and later established charities helping the young and old. After being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, she also became a prominent voice in the attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
Tributes from Strictly partner and colleagues
Du Beke, 60, paid tribute with a carousel of images of them together through the years, including a snap from their time on Strictly, where they were the third couple to be eliminated. He wrote: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful Esther Rantzen.
"We first met when we partnered each other in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and remained firmed friends ever since."
Du Beke, who made his debut on the BBC dancing competition alongside Dame Esther that year, added: "I was also lucky enough to have the benefit of her wisdom as she became a valued mentor to me when I started out in television.
"Her breadth of knowledge and passion is unrivalled, a forerunner for women on television, the ultimate breaker of the glass ceiling.
"Esther had an extraordinary career – what an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary friend.
"She will be greatly missed and my sincere thoughts are with her family."
Celebrities remember her legacy
Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, known for BBC sitcom Goodness Gracious Me, shared a snap of Dame Esther to Instagram and wrote: "That's Life! was a must see programme back in the day.
"She founded Childline which alone would be quite the legacy." Referencing her guest appearance on sitcom The Kumars at No 42, which Bhaskar co-created, co-wrote and starred in, he praised Dame Esther as "warm, self-deprecating and funny".
TV presenter Matt Allwright hailed Dame Esther as "extraordinary", describing her broadcast career as "revolutionary" and writing about her "brave" and "kind" activism. He added: "She used her powers to campaign until the end for those who didn't have a voice. The misled and deceived. Children. Those in pain. Unrecognised heroes. What a stunning legacy.
"What an incredible way to live your life. A titan who fought for a better version of the country we live in.
"A personal hero who changed my life, like so many others. Thank you, Esther. We were lucky to have you on our side."
Dame Elaine Paige, famed for her West End roles in productions such as Evita and Cats, praised Dame Esther as "a great broadcaster, journalist and campaigner". She said: "Her Childline, the confidential counselling service for young people in distress, helped so many children and The Silver Line was aimed at older people suffering loneliness and isolation.
"Esther also fought to the end for assisted dying. Rest in peace dear Esther."
Former TV presenter Anna Williamson, known for appearing on Celebs Go Dating, described Dame Esther as "somebody truly iconic, who really cared, and who has left behind one hell of a legacy". Williamson, who has previously worked as a children's TV presenter, also called Dame Esther an "inspiration" and said she felt compelled to become a spokeswoman, ambassador and counsellor for Childline after meeting its founder.
"I didn't need much convincing. It was through Esther's passion that I took on the same crusade, wanting to help young people and joining her charity," she wrote.
Further tributes from TV and music stars
BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell wrote on X: "Dame Esther Rantzen RIP. What a difference she made."
Scottish TV host Lorraine Kelly commented beneath an Instagram post announcing the news and said: "Sad news – a pioneer and a force of nature.
"Helped so many people – funny, forthright and fabulous."
Saltburn actor Richard E Grant posted broken heart emojis beneath an Instagram post about Dame Esther. Bad Boys Inc singer Matthew Pateman wrote: "Be at peace. Thoughts are with Esther's family and friends."
