British television presenter and campaigner Esther Rantzen dies, aged 86

Esther Rantzen in 2022. She was a weekly fixture in living rooms of the 1970s and 1980s Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

Broadcaster and campaigner Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86, her family said in a statement, as they paid tribute to the “most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother” who will be remembered for her “endless capacity for joy”. Ms Rantzen’s BBC programme That’s Life! made her a weekly fixture in living rooms of the 1970s and 1980s, and she is known for setting up the Childline charity in 1986.

In a statement from her children Miriam Wilcox, Rebecca Wilcox, and Joshua Wilcox they said: “Our adored mother, Esther Rantzen, died today.