The world has lost a remarkable broadcaster, journalist and humanitarian with the passing of Dame Esther Rantzen, who died on 30 September 2026 at the age of 86. For more than two decades, Esther Rantzen was a familiar face on British television, best known for presenting the BBC’s That’s Life! But perhaps the most meaningful part of Rantzen’s legacy was what she did with that platform.
In 1986, following a That’s Life! investigation into child abuse, Rantzen was confronted with an overwhelming response from children seeking help. The experience inspired her to establish Childline, creating a confidential place where children and young people could speak about whatever they were going through.
Today, Childline remains a free and confidential service for young people in the United Kingdom, and the organisation continues to recognise Rantzen as its founder.
After speaking publicly about experiencing loneliness herself later in life, Rantzen founded The Silver Line, a helpline created to support older people experiencing loneliness and isolation. The service gives older people the opportunity to hear a friendly voice, seek support and, importantly, feel that they have someone to talk to.
Esther Rantzen had the fame to command an audience, and she repeatedly used that audience to draw attention to people who might otherwise have gone unheard
— abused children, vulnerable families, people in need and older people facing loneliness.
Dame Esther Rantzen leaves behind organisations that continue to answer the phone when a child needs someone to listen, and when an older person simply needs someone to talk to.