Dame Elaine Paige and Lorraine Kelly are among the stars paying tribute to “pioneer and force of nature” Dame Esther Rantzen. Tributes have poured in for the broadcaster and campaigner following the news of her death aged 86.
A statement released by her family remembered Dame Esther as “the most wonderful mother” and a “cherished grandmother”, and her TV work and activism have been remembered by many famous faces and public figures.
Career and Legacy
Dame Esther started her career as a broadcaster and became a household name after hosting shows such as That’s Life!, and later established charities to help 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.
Dame Elaine led the tributes and shared an old photograph of herself smiling alongside Dame Esther to Instagram, writing: “So very sad to hear of the death of Esther Rantzen. A great broadcaster, journalist and campaigner.”
Stars Remember Her Work
The singer and actress, famed for her West End roles in hit productions such as Evita and Cats, continued: “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.”
TV presenter Anna Williamson, who has appeared on shows such as Celebs Go Dating, echoed the sentiments. In a lengthy tribute shared to Instagram, she 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
Williamson also described Dame Esther as a “true fighter, a true pioneer, and a genuinely incredible person” and praised her charity work as “truly, truly special”. BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell shared a brief message which said: “Dame Esther Rantzen RIP. What a difference she made.”
Scottish TV host Lorraine Kelly also paid tribute to the “funny, forthright and fabulous” Dame Esther in a comment beneath an Instagram post announcing the news of her death. Kelly wrote: “Sad news – a pioneer and a force of nature – helped so many people – funny, forthright and fabulous. Thoughts with all her family and many friends.”
