Dame Esther Rantzen dies aged 86 as tributes pour in

Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster and campaigner who became a household name with That's Life and founded Childline, has died at the age of 86. Her family announced the death. They said she died at home in the New Forest, surrounded by family. The family called her "our adored mother", "the most wonderful mother and cherished grandmother" and said she would be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy". They added that her "legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities" and thanked people who had written to her or shared their stories.

Rantzen was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023. She later became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying and revealed she had joined Dignitas in Switzerland, though she was ultimately too unwell to travel. MPs first voted 330 to allow assisted dying for people in England and Wales with less than six months to live, but the bill stalled in the House of Lords. When it was reintroduced in the Commons, MPs voted against it, with 286 opposing. Rantzen said she was "deeply sad" it would not come soon enough for many people who needed it. She also pressed Keir Starmer to commit to a debate and vote on assisted dying, and Kim Leadbeater later brought forward a bill.

Before that, Rantzen's television career began at the BBC, where she worked on Braden's Week under editor Desmond Wilcox, whom she later married. That's Life started in 1973 and ran for more than 20 years and over 400 episodes. It mixed consumer journalism, investigations and humour, with audiences of up to 20 million. She was the lead presenter at a time when that was unusual for a woman, and she tackled authority on behalf of viewers. The show produced memorable moments, including the 1988 reunion between Nicholas Winton and some of the Jewish children he helped save from the Nazis. The clip was replayed by several channels after her death.

Her campaigning led to Childline in 1986, a free phone service for children in danger or distress. On its first night, 50,000 attempted calls were made. The service has been copied in more than 100 countries, with some reports saying 150. She also set up the Silver Line for older people experiencing loneliness and isolation. It has received around 3.5 million calls. Rantzen's own experience of grief after Wilcox died in 2000 helped inspire the project.

She received an OBE in 1991 for services to broadcasting and was later made a Dame for services to children and older people. She also stood unsuccessfully as an independent parliamentary candidate in Luton after the expenses scandal. Tributes came from across public life. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said she changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard, and said he admired the courage and openness she showed about her illness. BBC Director General Matt Britton said her contribution to the BBC and public life was immeasurable and praised her ability to connect with audiences. Lord Michael Grade, former controller of BBC One, said he had lost a friend and the nation had lost one of the great broadcasting pioneers. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said she was a unique and truly remarkable woman who ensured children had somewhere to turn. Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines, one of the people saved by Nicholas Winton, said there was a small dwindling group indebted to her. Elaine Paige called her a great journalist and campaigner.

Rantzen is survived by three children and five grandchildren, according to family statements. Her family said her work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people and the terminally ill, meant the world to her. They thanked everyone who had written to her, shared their stories and worked alongside her.