Dame Esther Rantzen, broadcaster and campaigner, has died aged 86

Broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86, her family said in a statement, as they paid tribute to the "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother" who will be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy".

Dame Esther, who had been living with lung cancer, had been a strong advocate for changing the law to allow dying adults to take their own lives in limited circumstances, without fear of their families being prosecuted for helping them.

'She will be remembered as having extraordinary fortitude. Paul Brand on the impact Dame Esther had on people's lives

The former presenter, known for hosting shows such as That's Life!, established charities to help the young and old.

Dame Esther hosted BBC consumer affairs show That's Life! for 21 years from 1973 to 1994, which led to her setting up Childline in 1986, to provide counselling services for young people.

ITVx

https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-30/esther-rantzen-broadcaster-and-campaigner-has-died-aged-86

she was wanting to die she had health problems

She probably had a more painful and torturous death having the useless MPs incl Reform voting against assisted dying time and time again

RIP Esther.

A life well lived.

Thanks for your ground breaking work helping abused children and bringing about many positive changes.