Dame Esther Rantzen, Trailblazing Broadcaster and Advocate, Dies at 86
The beloved presenter, known for "That's Life!" and founder of Childline, was also a vocal campaigner for assisted dying.
Dame Esther Rantzen, the cherished broadcaster, Childline founder, and late-life advocate for assisted dying, has died at the age of 86. She passed away in March 2025, her daughter confirmed, after a battle with stage-four lung cancer.
Rantzen was best known for presenting the BBC television program "That's Life!" for two decades. What began as a consumer affairs show evolved into a platform for high-profile campaigns, most notably against child abuse. This work directly led to her establishing Childline, a national telephone helpline dedicated to supporting children suffering from abuse or neglect.
Born Esther Louise Rantzen in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, on June 22, 1940, her early life was shaped by her family's Jewish heritage and the disruptions of World War II. After attending North London Collegiate School, she studied English at Somerville College, Oxford.
Her broadcasting career began to take shape in the late 1960s when she worked on "Braden's Week." An opportunity to appear on-screen led to her selection as the main presenter for "That's Life!," which debuted in May 1973. The show quickly became a hit, initially focusing on consumer protection by investigating viewer complaints about faulty goods and poor service. Over time, it incorporated lighter segments, including the "Jobsworth" award for bureaucratic excess and "Heap of the Week," where malfunctioning appliances were humorously destroyed.
Rantzen was joined by various co-hosts and regular contributors on "That's Life!," including Paul Heiney and the comedian Cyril Fletcher, who performed his "Odd Odes." The program's blend of serious consumer issues and quirky entertainment resonated with a broad audience.
Beyond "That's Life!," Rantzen was a prolific public figure. She participated in the 2008 series of "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" and wrote for numerous newspapers and magazines. In the wake of the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal, she unsuccessfully stood as a candidate in the Luton South parliamentary seat in the 2010 General Election.
Rantzen's dedication to helping others was recognized with several honors. She was appointed an OBE in 1991, a CBE in 2006, and a Dame Commander in the 2015 New Year Honours for her work with helpline services. She later became a campaigner for older people and, in her final years, for the legalization of medically-assisted death.
In June 2023, Rantzen publicly shared her diagnosis of stage-four lung cancer, reflecting on the richness of her life and work. She spoke of the importance of her friendships forged through "That's Life!" and her commitment to Childline and The Silver Line, a helpline she co-founded for older people.
In her final months, Rantzen became a prominent voice in the assisted dying debate. She expressed a desire to alleviate the suffering of families facing similar end-of-life challenges. Despite not living to see potential legislative changes, she witnessed parliamentary votes on assisted dying bills in both the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament. In September 2026, the House of Commons voted against the Assisted Dying Bill, a decision she described as a "tragic day," noting her own frailty prevented her from traveling to Switzerland for an assisted death.
Rantzen often stated that her motivation stemmed from a desire "to be needed" and the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives. Her legacy is marked by her significant contributions to public service broadcasting and her tireless advocacy for vulnerable individuals.