Tributes paid to 'inspirational' presenter and campaigner Esther Rantzen
Dame Esther Rantzen was "an inspirational individual", the director of her Childline helpline says.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"She inspired people, she energised people, she persuaded people."
— Shaun Friel , Executive
"Dame Esther Rantzen had changed countless lives."
— Andy Burnham , Politician
"Her warmth, spirit and fight for justice and action that we saw on our screens continued long after the programme ended."
— Matt Brittin , Executive
"Dame Esther was an inspiration and a pioneer whose impact and memory will long continue to shine."
— Martin Lewis , Celebrity
"Dame Esther had gone to exceptional lengths to ensure children and young people across the UK had somewhere to turn."
— Chris Sherwood , Activist
"Dame Esther was a wonderful mix of strength and feistiness, but also really deep compassion and kindness."
— Kim Leadbeater , Politician
"She was an extraordinary, compassionate woman, a passionate woman, and she brought about such change in our world."
— Jan Royall , Politician
Key People
Andy Burnham is the chief minister of Jersey and a prominent Labour Party figure.
Chief executive of NSPCC, a charity focused on child protection.
Esther Rantzen was a campaigning British television presenter.
Jan Royall is a former leader of the House of Lords.
Kim Leadbeater is a Labour MP who sponsored the assisted dying bill.
Martin Lewis is a UK personal finance expert known for his financial advice.
Director-general of the BBC, previously a Google executive.
Shaun Friel is the director of Childline.
Locations
All Coverage
Dame Esther Rantzen was "an inspirational individual", the director of her Childline helpline says.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Dame Esther Rantzen: That's Life! presenter, Childline founder and campaigner for assisted dying
The star presented That's Life! for two decades and set up two national helplines, including Childline.
September 30, 2026 at 06:10 PMVeteran broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen dies aged 86
Rantzen, who fronted the BBC's That's Life for two decades, went on to found Childline, and in recent years had been a campaigner for assisted dying.
October 1, 2026 at 01:10 AMEsther Rantzen, campaigning British television presenter, dies aged 86 - Reuters
Esther Rantzen, campaigning British television presenter, dies aged 86 Reuters
September 30, 2026 at 11:09 PMHow That's Life! gave Esther Rantzen a career-defining moment
Sir Nicholas Winton's story became national news when he appeared on That's Life! in February 1988.
September 30, 2026 at 06:19 PMThe Irish international rugby 'trailblazer' and her legacy of cancer awareness
Rosie Stewart played for Ireland and was a founding member of Ulster Women's Rugby but died after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
September 30, 2026 at 05:33 AMBackshall makes nature 'cool' to inspire children
Steve Backshall says growing up with rescue animals helped inspire his passion for nature.
October 2, 2026 at 09:27 AM