The One Show paid an emotional tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen on Wednesday evening (September 30) after her death at the age of 86 was confirmed. Hosts Alex Jones and Angellica Bell announced a special programme in her honour.
Hosts deliver heartfelt tribute
During the episode, the duo spoke with David Harewood, Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok. However, at the close of the show, Alex and Angellica delivered a tribute to the legendary broadcaster.
“Before we go, like many of you, we've just heard the news that legendary broadcaster, Dame Esther Rantzen, has died at the age of 86,” said Angellica.
Alex added: “I had the pleasure of meeting her on so many occasions, an incredible woman, and a campaigner right to the end, who had such an impact on so many people's lives. Our thoughts, of course, are with her friends and family, and we will be paying tribute in a special show tomorrow.”
Family statement
In a statement released tonight, Esther’s family said: “Our adored mother Dame Esther Rantzen died today. Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.”
“We are grateful she is finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, but we will miss her immeasurably. She was our sunshine. We will always remember her endless capacity for joy, her ability to comfort every heartache, her beautiful way with words and her expert guidance in all things.”
The statement continued: “She was the most wonderful mother to us three children and a cherished grandmother to her five treasured grandchildren. We have been so lucky for so long, no matter how much time we had with Mum it could never be enough, but we are so grateful for our lives together.”
It added: “Mum’s work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her so thank you to everyone who has written to her, shared their stories with her over the years and worked alongside her. We hope the humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work may continue to inspire you as it will do us. We kindly ask that we are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The One Show airs Monday to Friday at 7pm on BBC One.
