Dame Esther Rantzen has shared a sobering update on her health after living with a diagnosis of terminal cancer.
The 84-year-old revealed in 2024 that her cancer was being kept at bay thanks to a new drug, which had left her feeling “much better” than she would have expected.
The broadcaster, who is best known for founding Childline, a telephone helpline for young people aged up to 18, has previously revealed that she has registered with the Swiss assisted dying clinic, Dignitas.
However, after her daughter Rebecca Wilcox revealed last month that the medication had stopped working, Rantzen has now confirmed the same.
“Recently my wonder drug has stopped working,” she told The Times. “I am trying a different treatment. Some days are better than others.”
Speaking about how she was planning to spend the limited time she had left, she shared she had become “addicted” to quizzes and antique shows.
“I know my own future is extremely limited, so now I enjoy each day as it comes as an extra bonus.
“I am never bored. I even appreciate insomnia in my comfy bed listening to Radio 4 and the World Service. I live in a cottage in the New Forest and am extremely lucky to have a beautiful spring garden to admire.”
Rantzen also opened up about her commitment to campaigning in support of the assisted dying bill.
“I am a terminally ill 84-year-old, so the last thing I expected was to get involved in a new campaign,” she said.
“But when I talked about having joined Dignitas as the only way to guarantee I can legally request help to die if my life were to become unbearable, it seems to have struck a nerve with the public.
“So to my surprise the assisted dying campaign found me. But it would be nice to think I’m still useful.”
Reflecting on the lessons learned throughout her life she said that love is of paramount importance.
“Love is what sustains and inspires you,” she said talking about the title of her show That’s Life!. “The greatest loves of my life have been my late, much missed husband, Desmond, our three children and my closest friends.”
Esther Rantzen’s daughter shares heartbreaking update on star’s terminal cancer
Reverend Richard Coles reveals surprising birthday present to himself
Harry ‘felt forced to step back’, security appeal told as second day to begin: Live
Gladiators star announces death of baby boy after being born at 23 weeks
Meghan Markle acknowledges ‘brutalising’ media backlash
‘No texting in meetings’: Why we all forgot how to behave at work
