Dame Esther Rantzen, the veteran BBC broadcaster who presented That's Life for two decades, founded Childline and campaigned for assisted dying, has died aged 86.
Key facts
- Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86.
- She fronted the BBC's That's Life for two decades.
- She founded the children's charity Childline.
- In recent years she was a campaigner for assisted dying.
Dame Esther Rantzen, one of British broadcasting’s most recognisable figures, has died at the age of 86, the BBC has reported.
Rantzen was best known for fronting the BBC’s long-running programme That’s Life, which she presented for two decades. The show made her a familiar face to television audiences across the country.
Beyond her broadcasting career, Rantzen founded Childline, the charity providing support to children. The organisation became a landmark in child welfare services following its creation.
In more recent years, Rantzen became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying, bringing public attention to the issue through her advocacy.
Her death marks the loss of a figure whose work spanned decades of television and charitable campaigning, according to the BBC.
Why it matters
Dame Esther Rantzen was a household name in British broadcasting whose work extended far beyond television into charity and public campaigning. Her founding of Childline and her later advocacy for assisted dying touched on issues affecting children's welfare and end-of-life choices that continue to resonate widely.
Frequently asked questions
What was Dame Esther Rantzen best known for?
She was best known for fronting the BBC's That's Life, which she presented for two decades, and for founding the children's charity Childline.
What did Dame Esther Rantzen campaign for in recent years?
According to the BBC, in recent years she had been a campaigner for assisted dying.
How old was Dame Esther Rantzen when she died?
She died at the age of 86.