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.

“Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.

“We are grateful she is finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, but we will miss her immeasurably. She was our sunshine. We will always remember her endless capacity for joy, her ability to comfort every heartache, her beautiful way with words and her expert guidance in all things.

“She was the most wonderful mother to us three children and a cherished grandmother to her five treasured grandchildren. We have been so lucky for so long, no matter how much time we had with Mum it could be never be enough, but we are so grateful for our lives together.

“Mum’s work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her so 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. We kindly ask that we are given privacy and time to grieve.”

Chris Sherwood, who heads up the NSPCC, which runs the Childline helpline, said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Esther Rantzen. Esther was a unique and truly remarkable woman who during her life did incredible things and went to exceptional lengths to ensure children and young people across the UK had somewhere to turn when they were in need of help.

“In 1986 she founded Childline, and in the 40 years since then the service has helped millions of children, providing round the clock support over the phone and, in recent years, increasingly online.”