Arise… Dame Esther? Rantzen in line for new year honour

She’s the legendary star of That’s Life! with a showbiz career spanning some 60 years. And now, as we near the announcement of the New Years Honours list, the rumor mill is in overdrive that Jewish philanthropist Esther Rantzen is finally to achieve the ultimate recognition for her tireless work by being made Dame Esther.

The  campaigner who – among other things – founded ChildLine for abused children and The Silver Line charity for lonely pensioners, has worked tirelessly towards a better Britain as both journalist and activist.

ChildLine has helped more than three million young people in Britain, and has been emulated in over 180 countries world-wide.

Rantzen set up The Silver Line after experiencing intense loneliness after the death of her husband. The charity received over 500,000 calls in its first six months.

Among her many professional accolades, Rantzen was made an OBE for her work in broadcasting, which was later raised to a CBE for her services to children.

She received the Snowdon Award for services to disabled people and has honorary doctorates from six universities.

The list of recipients will be announced on New Year’s Eve.