Tributes paid to 'inspirational' presenter and charity founder Esther Rantzen
Broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86, drawing tributes from across the UK for her work on the show 'That's Life!' and the founding of Childline. She is remembered for her significant contributions to child welfare and public advocacy.
Why it matters
Rantzen's death marks the passing of a major figure in British media who fundamentally changed the landscape of child protection services.
Figure caption, Watch: Dame Esther Rantzen, broadcaster, campaigner and charity founder, dies aged 86
Dame Esther Rantzen was "an inspirational individual" who was "quite a force" as a campaigner, according to the director of Childline, the children's helpline founded by the broadcaster in the 1980s.
"She inspired people, she energised people, she persuaded people," Shaun Friel told BBC Breakfast. "She had a great mind and she had obviously that natural journalistic ability."
Dame Esther, who died on Wednesday at the age of 86, was known for presenting BBC consumer show That's Life! for 21 years, and for campaigning on issues including child welfare and assisted dying.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham led the tributes, saying the veteran broadcaster had "changed countless lives".
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Dame Esther founded Childline in 1986
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