Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster who founded Childline and campaigned to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, has died aged 86, her family confirmed. Tributes have poured in from political leaders, television personalities, and the charities she established.
Family Statement and Political Tributes
Her family described her as "the most wonderful mother", a "cherished grandmother", and someone who will be remembered for "her endless capacity for joy". Prime Minister Andy Burnham led political tributes, writing on X: "Very sad to hear that Dame Esther Rantzen has died. Through her decades of campaigning, including founding Childline and The Silver Line, she changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard."
Burnham added: "And I will always admire the characteristic courage and openness with which she spoke about her illness, making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life. My thoughts are with her family and all who loved her."
Celebrity Tributes from Du Beke, Lewis, and Williamson
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, who partnered with Rantzen in the second series of the show in 2004, shared three pictures on Instagram. He wrote: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful Esther Rantzen. We first met when we partnered each other in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and remained firm friends ever since." Du Beke noted that she became "a valued mentor" when he started in television, calling her "a forerunner for women on television, the ultimate breaker of the glass ceiling".
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis posted a tribute on Facebook, thanking Rantzen for "all you did for the country, and personally for all you did to open the doors for someone like me". Lewis praised her as "a consumer journalist" who "pioneered mass reach programming with a campaigning bent", and noted her "superb nationally impacting charities". He concluded: "She may be gone, but her impact and memory will long continue to shine."
Childline Legacy and Ongoing Support
Broadcaster Anna Williamson, who became a Childline volunteer counsellor after meeting Rantzen, said: "Somebody truly iconic, who really cared, and who has left behind one hell of a legacy." Williamson recalled training to be a counsellor and described "manning the phone lines every Tuesday morning in the counselling call centre" as among her proudest moments. She added: "She was a true fighter. A true pioneer. And a genuinely incredible person."
Childline itself issued a statement: "Childline is deeply saddened to share the news about the passing of our founder and president, Dame Esther Rantzen." The charity reminded young people that "Childline's website and counsellors are available 24 hours, 7 days a week". Rantzen, known for hosting That's Life!, also founded The Silver Line, a helpline for older people, and became a prominent advocate for assisted dying in recent years.
