Esther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of Childline, has died at the age of 86. She had publicly announced a lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and subsequently became a vocal campaigner for changes to the law surrounding assisted dying.
Rantzen was known for her extensive broadcasting career, including hosting 'That’s Life!' for 21 years from 1973 to 1994, a programme that attracted over 20 million viewers at its peak. She also presented 'Hearts of Gold' and the chat show 'Esther', and later contributed to 'The One Show' and hosted a podcast.
Beyond television, Rantzen established Childline in 1986, a helpline for children. In 2010, she launched the Silver Line, a confidential helpline for older people, which led to her being made a dame for her services to both children and older people.