Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has praised the “extraordinary career” of his former dance partner – the “wonderful” Dame Esther Rantzen. The broadcaster and campaigner has died aged 86.
The news was announced by her family in an emotional statement which praised Dame Esther as “the most wonderful mother” and a “cherished grandmother”.
Career and Legacy
Dame Esther started her career as a broadcaster and became a household name after hosting That’s Life!, and went on to establish 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.
Du Beke, 60, paid tribute to Dame Esther with a carousel of images of them together through the years, along with a snap from their time on Strictly, where they were the third couple to be eliminated.
Celebrity Tributes
The ballroom dancer 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, continued: “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.”
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, the TV star also praised Dame Esther as “warm, self-deprecating and funny”.
More Tributes
TV presenter Matt Allwright joined the mourners with a lengthy message hailing Dame Esther as “extraordinary”, describing her broadcast career as “revolutionary” and writing about her “brave” and “kind” activism.
The 56-year-old, who has hosted programmes including The One Show and Watchdog, 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”.
The singer and actress 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, echoed the sentiments and 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.
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 of Dame Esther’s death 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.
Presenter Amol Rajan said Dame Esther “changed the course of millions of lives” as he paid tribute, calling her “an inspirational, strong woman ahead of her time”.
“She was something like the on-air conscience of her generation, and often most admired by those who most disagreed with her.
“Not bad for a bright, Hertfordshire girl born during the early stages of the Second World War.”
