Gloria Hunniford Remembers 'Formidable Force' Esther Rantzen

Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford paid a heartfelt tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen on Thursday, remembering her friend as a "formidable force" following her death at age 86.

Rantzen, a.

"formidable force" broadcaster and campaigner, died on Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer, which was first revealed in January 2023, her family announced.

Appearing on "Good Morning Britain," Hunniford reflected on Rantzen's life and legacy, telling hosts that she admired Rantzen "as a broadcaster and as a woman."

"She was a formidable force. I loved her as a woman and I loved her as a broadcaster. I admired her as a broadcaster and I admired her as a woman," Hunniford said.

Hunniford recalled meeting Rantzen in the early 1980s, noting their shared age and common interests. She expressed sadness at not being able to visit Rantzen in the period before her death, understanding it was Rantzen's wish to have fewer visitors at her home in the New Forest.

"I was very sad recently, you know I didn't see her before she passed, and I think that was her choice of course, she didn't want too many people down at the New Forest where she was - I understand that," Hunniford shared.

She also reminisced about Rantzen's work ethic, recalling an instance where Rantzen brought her secretary and baby to a hair appointment while working on "That's Life." "She had with her the secretary, she had a baby with her, she had notebooks with her... and while the poor man was trying to dry her hair, she was working on That's Life there and then! And I thought 'wow, this is what you have to do!'"

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Hunniford highlighted Rantzen's tenacity, stating, "What I really loved about Esther was her tenacity. Because she wasn't going to take no for an answer." She acknowledged Rantzen's advocacy for assisted dying, noting that while Rantzen did not achieve this before her passing, her efforts had a significant impact.

Hunniford's tribute was joined by others, including Davina McCall and Anton Du Beke, who also shared farewell messages on social media for the "national treasure."

Rantzen had publicly disclosed in December 2023 that she had joined Dignitas and was considering the Swiss clinic for end-of-life assistance. However, in a statement the previous month, she expressed anguish that she was too physically frail to make the journey.

Her death occurred weeks after the Assisted Dying Bill, which she strongly supported, was narrowly defeated in the House of Commons.

Rantzen's family released a poignant message she had written before her death. In it, she thanked friends and professionals for their support throughout her life and suggested donations to Dignitas, Oakhaven Hospice, and Cats Protection. "Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say. So I particularly wanted to say goodbye and thank you so very, very much. Perhaps I will see you eventually, on the other side. I do hope so," the message read.

Her children announced her death with a statement that read: "Our adored mother, Dame Esther Rantzen, died today. Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her. We are grateful she is finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, but we will miss her immeasurably. She was our sunshine."