Dame Esther Rantzen 'made the world a better place', says Davina McCall
Davina McCall has joined those paying tribute to the late Dame Esther Rantzen and praised her for inspiring people to "do better".
Dame Esther Rantzen "made the world a better place", and inspired generations to "do better".
The late That's Life! presenter, who also founded the charities Childline and The Silver Line, died this week aged 86, and tributes have flooded in recognising her work as an activist and TV star.
Davina McCall wrote on Instagram: "You’ve made the world a better place, and inspired so many of us to do better and live life to its fullest.”
Spice Girls legend Geri Horner hailed her as "an inspiration", while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted her "courage and openness" in later life.
He said in a statement: "Through her decades of campaigning, including founding Childline and The Silver Line, she changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard.
"And I will always admire the characteristic courage and openness with which she spoke about her illness, making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life. My thoughts are with her family and all who loved her."
TV star Lorraine Kelly described Dame Esther as "a pioneer and a force of nature".
She wrote: "Sad news – a pioneer and a force of nature – helped so many people – funny, forthright and fabulous. Thoughts with all her family and many friends."
Anna Williamson, who has appeared on the likes of Celebs Go Dating, echoed Lorraine's sentiments as she hailed her as "truly iconic".
She added: "She was a true fighter. A true pioneer. And a genuinely incredible person.
"Rest in peace Dame Esther. The millions of children who have been helped by your vision passion is something truly truly special."
And Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis highlighted how Dame Esther paved the way for consumer journalists to make a difference with their own campaigns.
He wrote: "Thank you Dame Esther Rantzen for all you did for the country, and personally for all you did to open the doors for someone like me.
"Esther was an inspiration. Firstly as a consumer journalist. She pioneered mass reach programming with a campaigning bent, something I've tried to emulate, albeit with a shadow of her TV reach.
"Then by acting, rather than just commenting, setting up her own superb nationally impacting charities.
"I was lucky enough to meet her a few times in green rooms. Always sharp, on it, independent of thought even if it wasn't in line with everyone else. We shared a few laughs too."
Dame Esther, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023, passed away surrounded by her family at her home in the New Forest.
In a statement, her loved ones said: "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 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."
