Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and Childline founder, dies aged 86
Rantzen announced lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and became a vocal assisted-dying campaigner From Childline to changing TV for ever: Esther Rantzen’s revolutionary life Esther Rantzen: from That’s Life! to Childline – in pictures
TL;DR
- Esther Rantzen, a Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of Childline and The Silver Line, died at 86.
- She was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023 and became a campaigner for assisted dying.
- Rantzen began her broadcasting career in 1963, achieving fame with 'That's Life!', which ran for 21 years.
- She launched Childline in 1986 after a 'That's Life!' episode highlighted child abuse, and The Silver Line in 2010 for older people.
- Her family described her as "our sunshine" with "endless capacity for joy" and "ability to comfort every heartache."
- Tributes from figures like Prime Minister Andy Burnham and MPs highlighted her courage, compassion, and the impact of her work.