After announcing her diagnosis in January, Esther Rantzen, a pioneering female broadcaster renowned for her career at the BBC, has disclosed that her lung cancer has progressed to stage 4.

Rantzen, now 82 years old, gained household recognition as the presenter of That’s Life! from 1973 to 1994. In an interview with the Mirror, she shared, “I’m currently on one of the newly prescribed medications, and its effectiveness remains uncertain. However, I will soon undergo a scan that will provide clarity.”

The seasoned broadcaster expressed her outlook, saying, “Regrets are not my forte. What I cherish most are the incredible friendships I’ve forged over the past 50 years thanks to That’s Life!—the people I’ve met, and the dedicated team that worked and laughed together for so long.”

In January, Rantzen publicly announced her diagnosis, stating, “I’ve chosen not to keep this secret any longer, as I find it challenging to navigate various hospitals incognito, and I believe it’s better that you hear the truth from me.”

“At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to reflect on the years gone by, and I want to express profound gratitude to everyone who has brought joy, fun, and inspiration into my life,” she continued. “First and foremost, my family—my three children, Miriam, Rebecca, and Joshua—who have been an incredible source of support, companionship, and unwavering love. My friends have been extraordinary, creating cherished memories that sustain me and provide strength.”

Rantzen, in addition to her achievements as a journalist and broadcaster, founded ChildLine in 1986, a charity that offers counseling and support to children and young people in the UK up to the age of 19. In 2013, she established the Silver Line, a charity dedicated to combating loneliness among elderly individuals in the UK.

For her exceptional charity work benefiting children and older people, Rantzen was honored with a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2015.