Dame Esther Rantzen has died aged 86 at home in the New Forest. The journalist and television presenter, best known for hosting That's Life! and founding Childline, was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2023.
Her family announced her death in a statement, calling her the "most wonderful mother" and a "cherished grandmother" who would be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy".
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was among those paying tribute, saying she "changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard".
Final message to the world
In a note written before her death, Esther said: "Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say. So I particularly wanted to say goodbye and thank you so very, very much. Perhaps I will see you eventually, on the other side. I do hope so. With very good wishes, as ever, Esther."
The full message read: "Dear Everybody, I am so sorry I cannot send you each individual thanks for the fun, the support and the help you have been to me. I have been immensely lucky in the friendship and the professional advice I have had from you which has enabled me to live such a long and happy life."
She also suggested donations in her name to Dignitas, Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington, and Cats Protection.
Career and campaigning legacy
Born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, in 1940, Rantzen began her media career as a BBC radio studio manager at 23. By 1968 she had moved to television, and in 1973 became the primary host of That's Life!, which ran for 21 years.
Her work on the show led to the creation of Childline in 1986 after an episode opened phone lines for children to speak to social workers. In 2010 she launched The Silver Line, a free helpline for older people, and later received a damehood for her services.
Tributes from figures and charities
NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "Esther was a unique and truly remarkable woman who during her life did incredible things and went to exceptional lengths to ensure children and young people across the UK had somewhere to turn when they were in need of help."
Dignity in Dying, which advocates for changing the law on assisted dying, paid tribute to her as "a true force of nature whose compassion, tenacity and wit will be greatly missed".
Jenifer Rosenberg, founder of the Heart Cells Foundation, said: "Esther was an extraordinary woman whose warmth, courage and determination touched so many lives." TV host Lorraine Kelly called her "a pioneer and a force of nature".
Rantzen spent her final years campaigning for reform to assisted dying legislation. In 2023 she revealed she had registered with Dignitas, and in September 2026 she said she was "too physically fragile to make the journey" to Switzerland. Her daughter Rebecca Wilcox previously explained the family's fears of prosecution if they travelled with her, saying: "I can't go to prison, I can't go through a court case at the worst point of my life."
