Dame Esther Rantzen writes moving farewell letter as she dies aged 86
Good Morning Britain
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Broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86.
Her family have paid tribute to the "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother" who will be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy".
Dame Esther, who had been living with lung cancer, had been a strong advocate for changing the law to allow dying adults to take their own lives in limited circumstances, without fear of their families being prosecuted for helping them.
The former presenter, known for hosting shows such as That's Life!, established charities such as Childline in 1986, for young people, and The Silver Line, to tackle loneliness in older people, in 2012.
"Mum's work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her", a family statement said.
"Thank you to everyone who has written to her, shared their stories with her over the years and worked alongside her.
"We hope the humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work may continue to inspire you as it will do us."
Broadcast on 01/10/2026
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20 Comments
I remember when i was young and i used to think she was a great lady. Nothing is what it seems on TV.
Dame Esther Rantzen writes moving farewell letter as she dies aged 86
Good Morning Britain
16,598 views
Broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86.
Her family have paid tribute to the "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother" who will be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy".
Dame Esther, who had been living with lung cancer, had been a strong advocate for changing the law to allow dying adults to take their own lives in limited circumstances, without fear of their families being prosecuted for helping them.
The former presenter, known for hosting shows such as That's Life!, established charities such as Childline in 1986, for young people, and The Silver Line, to tackle loneliness in older people, in 2012.
"Mum's work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her", a family statement said.
"Thank you to everyone who has written to her, shared their stories with her over the years and worked alongside her.
"We hope the humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work may continue to inspire you as it will do us."
Broadcast on 01/10/2026
Stream Good Morning Britain live, every weekday from 6am on the ITVX 📲 http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT
Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1NbomQa
Like, follow and subscribe to Good Morning Britain!
The Good Morning Britain YouTube channel delivers you the news that you’re waking up to in the morning. From exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in politics and showbiz to heartwarming human interest stories and unmissable watch again moments.
Join Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley, Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher every weekday on ITV from 6am until 9 every weekday!
ITVX: http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT
Website: http://bit.ly/1GsZuha
YouTube: http://bit.ly/1Ecy0g1
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1HEDRMb
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1xdLqU3
http://www.itv.com
#GMB