Lorraine Kelly and singer Elaine Paige are among the stars paying tribute to "pioneer and force of nature" Esther Rantzen.
The broadcaster and campaigner has been remembered following her death aged 86.
A statement released by her family remembered her as "the most wonderful mother" and a "cherished grandmother," and her TV work and activism have been remembered by many famous faces and public figures.
Rantzen started her career as a broadcaster and became a household name after hosting shows such as That’s Life!, and later established charities to help the young and old.
After being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, she also became a prominent voice in the attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
Paige led the tributes and shared an old photograph of herself smiling alongside Dame Esther to Instagram, writing: "So very sad to hear of the death of Esther Rantzen.
"A great broadcaster, journalist and campaigner."
The singer and actress, famed for her West End roles in hit productions such as Evita and Cats, continued: "Her Childline, the confidential counselling service for young people in distress, helped so many children and The Silver Line was aimed at older people suffering loneliness and isolation.
"Esther also fought to the end for assisted dying. Rest in peace dear Esther."
TV presenter Anna Williamson, who has appeared on shows such as Celebs Go Dating, echoed the sentiments.
In a lengthy tribute shared to Instagram, she described Rantzen as "somebody truly iconic, who really cared, and who has left behind one hell of a legacy."
Williamson, who has previously worked as a children’s TV presenter, also called the late broadcaster an "inspiration" and said she felt compelled to become a spokeswoman, ambassador and counsellor for Childline after meeting its founder.
"I didn’t need much convincing. It was through Esther‘s passion that I took on the same crusade, wanting to help young people and joining her charity," she wrote.
Williamson also described Rantzen as a "true fighter, a true pioneer, and a genuinely incredible person" and praised her charity work as "truly, truly special."
BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell shared a brief message which said: "Dame Esther Rantzen RIP. What a difference she made."
Scottish TV host Lorraine Kelly also paid tribute to the "funny, forthright and fabulous" Rantzen in a comment beneath an Instagram post announcing the news of her death.
Kelly 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."
Withnail & I actor Richard E Grant commented with many broken heart emojis beneath an Instagram post about Rantzen.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, TV presenter Davina McCall and broadcaster Martin Lewis were also among the stars paying tribute to "national treasure" Rantzen.
Taking to Instagram, McCall said: "You've made the world a better place, and inspired so many of us to do better and live life to its fullest."
The message accompanied a video of the former Big Brother host discussing how Rantzen was an "inspiration to girls like me when we were growing up".
"She was a strong, independent and really intelligent woman who I was lucky enough to meet a couple of times who was always unbelievably encouraging, friendly and supportive," McCall said.
MoneySavingExpert founder Lewis hailed Rantzen an "inspiration" and a "pioneer" whose "impact and memory will long continue to shine".
Du Beke, 60, posted a snap from their time together as partners on the second series of Strictly in 2004, coinciding with his debut on the BBC dancing competition.
The ballroom dancer praised Rantzen for being "wonderful", saying they "remained firm friends" ever since their time on Strictly.
"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," he added.
Du Beke also praised her "breadth of knowledge and passion" and called her "the ultimate breaker of the glass ceiling", adding: "She will be greatly missed and my sincere thoughts are with her family."
Source: Press Association
