Davina McCall and Anton Du Beke lead emotional tributes to 'national treasure' Dame Esther Rantzen after broadcaster's death aged 86

Davina McCall and Anton Du Beke were among the stars to bid farewell to 'national treasure' Dame Esther Rantzen on social media after her death aged 86.

The broadcaster and campaigner passed away following a battle with lung cancer, first revealed in January 2023, her family announced in a statement on Wednesday.

Dame Esther revealed in December 2023 that she had joined Dignitas and would consider going there to end her life.

But earlier this month, she shared in a heartfelt statement that it was too late for her to 'buzz off' to the Swiss clinic as planned and revealed her anguish over loved ones being left to witness her suffering. 

Davina led a flurry of emotional tributes on Instagram as she thanked the late star for 'making a difference to so many people's lives'. 

She gushed: 'Just quickly wanted to say to Esther Rantzen's family and friends, rest in peace Esther. What a woman!

'What an inspiration to girls like me when we were growing up and there she was a strong independent, really intelligent woman who I was lucky enough to meet a couple of times. 

'She was always unbelievably encouraging, friendly, supportive, she was a real icon and a national treasure and she will be really missed and what a wonderful way to leave the world with a big hole in it. 

'Thank you Esther for making a difference to so many people's lives.'

Lizzie Cundy wrote in her comments: 'Beautifully said Davina. Esther was an inspiration to us all and she helped so many.' 

In an accompanying caption, she penned: 'Thank you, Esther. What a legacy you leave. 

'You've made the world a better place, and inspired so many of us to do better and live life to its fullest. You bowled us over with your sharp mind and your big heart. My love goes out to your family and friends. RIP.'

Anton wrote in his emotional tribute: '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.'

Anthea Turner shared: 'Esther was a guiding light I looked up to her from the moment I met her. She gave me the best advice with things only going when I didn't listen!

'Thinking of her family and the legendary Sunday lunch she'll now be having with her Desmond.' 

Lorraine Kelly tearfully penned: '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 ❤️.'

Before she died, Dame Esther criticised the 'messy and cruel' law in England and Wales which would criminalise loved ones who tried to help.

She said that despite having 'spent the money and made the plans' to go to Switzerland she was now 'too physically fragile to make the journey'.

Her death came just weeks after the second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill – which she had heavily supported – was narrowly defeated in the House of Commons.

Dame Esther expressed sadness after the Bill was rejected – branding it a 'tragic day'.

Tonight her family revealed Dame Esther had penned a poignant message before her death, her children revealed today.

The message read: 'Dear Everybody, I am so sorry I cannot send you each individual thanks for the fun, the support and the help you have been to me.

'I have been immensely lucky in the friendship and the professional advice I have had from you which has enabled me to live such a long and happy life.

'If any of you would like to donate something to charity in my name as a celebration of what we have had together, I do know that the Dignitas charity in Switzerland is facing serious challenges and would be very grateful.

'And the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington has also been wonderful to me. And Cathy would like me to pay tribute to Cats Protection of course.

'Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say. So I particularly wanted to say goodbye and thank you so very, very much. Perhaps I will see you eventually, on the other side. I do hope so. With very good wishes, as ever, Esther.'

Announcing the news of her death, her family shared poignant photographs of the TV personality in her last public appearance as she enjoyed an 85th birthday lunch with her loved ones.

A statement issued tonight by her children, Miriam Wilcox, Rebecca Wilcox and Joshua Wilcox said: 'Our adored mother, Dame 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.'