Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86, her children announced in a joint statement on September 30. The broadcaster was best known for hosting That's Life! and founding Childline, as well as campaigning for the legalisation of assisted dying in the UK.
BBC Breakfast tribute
On Thursday's BBC Breakfast (October 1), presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt opened the show with a tribute to Dame Esther, looking back at her life and career. They spoke to Shaun Friel, director of Childline, who praised her and the legacy she left behind.
"The legacy that Dame Esther created when she created Childline is something quite incredible," he said. "She quite literally changed how society look upon children. It was her vision to create Childline, and through her determination and commitment, she created Childline and remained involved throughout to make sure that Childline continued to be here for children every day."
Tributes from friends and family
Since the news of her death, tributes have come from those who knew her, including her former Strictly Come Dancing professional partner, Anton Du Beke. In a heartfelt post, he shared an image of them together and said they had remained friends after competing in the second series.
"I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful Esther Rantzen," he wrote. "We first met when we partnered each other in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and remained firm friends ever since. 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."
He added: "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."
Family statement
Esther's children said in their statement that they were 'grateful' she was finally at rest with their father and her husband, Desmond Wilcox, before highlighting how much they would miss her.
"She was our sunshine," part of their statement read. "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."
"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."
