Esther Rantzen: Childline Founder and Beloved Host of That's Life! Dies

Dame Esther Rantzen was a British journalist, television presenter and campaigner best known for hosting the BBC series That's Life! and for founding the children's helpline Childline. Born on June 22, 1940, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, she became one of the most recognizable and trusted faces on British television.

Rantzen presented That's Life! for 21 years, from 1973 to 1994. In 1986 she founded Childline, a free helpline for children in distress or danger, which has since helped millions of young people. In 2012 she founded The Silver Line, a charity to combat loneliness among older people, and in 2015 she was made a Dame for services to children and older people. She also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

Rantzen married television producer Desmond Wilcox in 1977, and he died in 2000. They had three children: Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua. She announced a lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and campaigned openly for the right to assisted dying. She died on September 30, 2026, at age 86, remembered as a fearless voice for the vulnerable.

Achievements: Presented the BBC series That's Life! (1973-1994), founded Childline (1986), founded The Silver Line (2012), made a Dame (DBE) for services to children and older people (2015).

Birth: June 22, 1940 - Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England.

Profession: Journalist, television presenter and campaigner.

Interesting Facts: Rantzen was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, paired with Anton Du Beke. She also stood as an independent candidate in Luton South in the 2010 general election.