'Esther Rantzen changed my life', says That's Life! presenter
Broadcaster Bill Buckley has paid tribute to the late Dame Esther Rantzen, crediting her with saving his career and supporting him after he was outed as gay in the 1980s. Rantzen, known for 'That's Life!' and founding Childline, is being remembered for her professional rigor and personal kindness.
Why it matters
The story reflects on the legacy of a prominent British broadcaster and the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the media industry.
Image caption, Bill Buckley, right, presented alongside Esther Rantzen on the BBC's That's Life programme in the 1980s
When TV presenter Bill Buckley was disowned by his parents after being outed as gay by a national newspaper, Dame Esther Rantzen decided to step in, writing them a "beautiful" letter in defence of her colleague.
"She absolutely changed my life... I will be eternally grateful," he said. "We became great friends and we always stayed in touch."
Tributes are being paid to Dame Esther, who presented the BBC's That's Life! for 21 years and founded the children's charity Childline, following her death aged 86.
Buckley, from Sutton Coldfield, was 23 and working at Wolverhampton-based Express and Star when he joined her as a co-presenter on the television programme.
"She was possibly the toughest boss I ever had," he said.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Dame Esther Rantzen: That's Life! presenter, Childline founder and campaigner for assisted dying
British broadcaster Esther Rantzen dies aged 86
From Childline to changing TV for ever: Esther Rantzen’s revolutionary life
Andy Burnham says Esther Rantzen 'changed countless lives' as tributes pour in after TV star's death
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