Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and Childline founder, dies aged 86

The Guardian Culture Wednesday 30 September 2026, 18:55 UTC By Alexi Duggins 1 min read

Key Points

Rantzen announced lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and became a vocal assisted-dying campaigner• From Childline to changing TV for ever: Esther Rantzen’s revolutionary life• Esther Rantzen: from That’s Life! to Childline – in picturesEsther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of Childline, has died aged 86.In a statement, her family paid tribute to “the most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother”, whose “legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities...

Esther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of Childline, has died aged 86.

In a statement, her family paid tribute to “the most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother”, whose “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”.

Esther Rantzen (PERSON) Childline (ORG) Rantzen (PERSON) Esther Rantzen’s (PERSON) Bafta (ORG) Silverline (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian Culture Read original →

NSW Health apologises to mother who says failures at Queanbeyan Hospital almost cost her baby's life In short: A woman whose daughter was born in critical distress after a traumatic labour is demanding answers from the Queanbeyan Hospital. NSW Health says four general practice obstetricians recently walked off the job, but locum doctors have been brought in to replace them. Authorities have been called in to make recommendations to improve the maternity service.

ABC Australia 40m ago

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak

Measles outbreak in the state has now reached 39 counties, with 943 confirmed cases and 176 hospitalizationsPennsylvania has reported its fifth measles-associated death of 2026 as the state’s ongoing outbreak climbs to 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties. The Pennsylvania department of health said on Wednesday that an unvaccinated Lancaster county resident who tested positive for measles had died. Health officials did not release further information about the individual, citing privacy...

The Guardian Health 49m ago

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak

The Guardian World 49m ago

South Carolina mom accused of knife attack on young children; 6-year-old may lose arm: sheriff's office

A South Carolina boy’s call to his grandmother saying he was hungry led authorities to a home where investigators say his mother had stabbed him and his younger sibling dozens of times, leaving both children with severe injuries. Taylor Gosnell, 35, is charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly attacking her children, ages 6 and 3, inside their Spartanburg County home during the overnight hours before they were discovered Saturday, according to authorities. The 6-year-old...

Fox News 51m ago

Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and Childline founder, dies aged 86

Related Stories

Mother felt 'completely abandoned' during traumatic birth at NSW hospital

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak

South Carolina mom accused of knife attack on young children; 6-year-old may lose arm: sheriff's office