Rebecca Wilcox returned to social media with her first post since confirming her mother’s death on Tuesday
Dame Esther with daughter Rebecca, one of three children with her late husband (Image: PA)
Dame Esther Rantzen’s grieving daughter has paid tribute to her ‘irreplaceable’ mother following the popular broadcaster and charity crusader’s death to lung cancer.
That’s Life star Rantzen, 86, died peacefully at home in rural Hampshire on Wednesday, three years after confirming her cancer had escalated to stage IV.
Rebecca Wilcox, the eldest of Rantzen’s three children with late husband Desmond, has urged social media followers to support her mother’s legacy by donating to her favoured charities – among them Childline and Dignity in Dying.
“Mum was our irreplaceable everything. Thank you for all the messages. Please know we’re reading them all, but I can’t always reply. Thank you for the beautiful tributes.
“If you wanted to remember her, I know her charities would appreciate any donation you felt like giving… I’m taking a break from things, but will see you all again soon.”
Showbiz friends and colleagues have since shared their fondest memories of the broadcaster, who fought for the right to assisted dying prior to her death on Wednesday, across social media.
Crediting the presenter’s notable charity work in a new Instagram post, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell called her an ‘inspiration.’
Referencing her considerable work with helpline services Childline and Silverline, Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid shared: “DAME ESTHER RANTZEN. The greatest. I was in awe of you.
“Through her work and her energy and her determination – Esther made the world a better place. Literally.
“A pioneering journalist and the original consumer champion. The founder of Childline and The Silver Line. A relentless campaigner for safer playgrounds, child seatbelts, organ donation and assisted dying.
“Sending love to her family and everyone who knew and loved her”.
TV presenter Davina McCall added: “Just quickly wanted to say to Esther Rantzen’s family and friends, rest in peace Esther. What a woman!”
Taking to X, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised Rantzen’s ‘characteristic courage and openness’ and for ‘making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life’.
He added: “My thoughts are with her family and those who loved her.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke, who partnered Rantzen during her appearance on the show’s second series, wrote: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the wonderful Esther Rantzen.
“We first met when we partnered each other in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and remained firm friends ever since.
“I was also lucky enough to have the benefit of her wisdom as she became a valued mentor to me when I started out in television.
“Her breadth of knowledge and passion is unrivalled, a forerunner for women on television, the ultimate breaker of the glass ceiling.
“Esther had an extraordinary career – what an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary friend. She will be greatly missed, and my sincere thoughts are with her family”.
Appearing on Thursday morning’s GMB, Rantzen’s former That’s Life co-host Adrian Mills praised her commitment to the consumer affairs show she fronted for more than two decades.
“I have never known anybody so dedicated to actually working for other people,” he said. “As long as she is remembered as a campaigner and a force for good, then I think she’ll be blissfully happy.”
Taking to X, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised Rantzen’s ‘characteristic courage and openness’ and for ‘making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life’.
He added: “My thoughts are with her family and those who loved her.”
Meanwhile, resident GMB doctor Hilary Jones called her “ambitious, vivacious and a force of nature”.
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