Veteran broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86. She was widely known for presenting the BBC show "That's Life!" for over two decades and for founding the child protection charity Childline.

Dame Esther's passing marks the end of a long and influential career in broadcasting and public service. She became a household name through "That's Life!," a program that blended consumer investigations with lighter segments, captivating millions of viewers for 21 years. Beyond television, she dedicated significant efforts to charitable causes, establishing vital support services for vulnerable individuals.

During her time hosting and producing "That's Life!" from 1973 to 1994, the show consistently drew an audience of around 20 million viewers. In 1986, she launched Childline, a crucial service providing support and counsel to children and young people. Later, in 2013, she founded the Silver Line charity to combat loneliness among the elderly. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged her impact, stating that the broadcaster and campaigner had changed countless lives.

In the years leading up to her death, Dame Esther became a prominent advocate for the legalization of assisted dying. She publicly disclosed her diagnosis of terminal lung cancer in January 2023. Earlier this year, she revealed plans to join the Swiss assisted dying clinic Dignitas, though a recent statement indicated she had become too physically frail to make the journey. This renewed her plea for legislative change, particularly as a vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was anticipated.

Dame Esther's family announced her death in a statement, remembering her as "the most wonderful mother and cherished grandmother whose compassion would live on through her charities." They expressed hope that her "humour, ingenuity and audacity" would continue to inspire.

Her career in broadcasting began at BBC radio before she moved into television as a researcher and reporter. She became the face of "That's Life!" in 1973, known for her engaging presentation style. The show tackled a range of issues, from consumer rights and organ transplants to campaigns for abused children and justice for consumers. One of its most memorable episodes featured the reunion of Holocaust survivors with Sir Nicholas Winton.

Dame Esther also participated in popular entertainment programs later in her career, including "Strictly Come Dancing" and "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!". She was married to documentary filmmaker Desmond Wilcox until his death in 2000, and they had three children. In 2015, she was honored with a damehood for her significant contributions to children and older people.

Her advocacy for assisted dying highlighted a deeply personal commitment to end-of-life choices, a cause she championed in her final months. The failure of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to pass through the Commons underscored the ongoing legislative challenges surrounding the issue, a point Dame Esther actively sought to influence.