Dame Esther Rantzen revealed her cancer diagnosis in January (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that her lung cancer is now stage 4, after first sharing her diagnosis publicly in January.
The TV star, 82, confirmed her illness with a statement, saying at the time that she was undergoing various tests to find the ‘best treatment.’
She added that she no longer wanted to keep it a secret because she didn’t like ‘skulking around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise’.
However, she also expressed her gratitude for the life she’s had, adding that she was remaining ‘optimistic’ despite the cancer spreading.
Now in a new interview, Dame Esther got candid about what she’s going through, explaining that she’s on ‘new medication’ but ‘nobody knows if it’s working or not.’
‘But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another,’ she added to The Mirror.
She’s now shared that her cancer is stage 4 (Picture: Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The broadcaster went on to reflect on the career she’s had.
Dame Esther is most famous for presenting That’s Life! – a programme featuring a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
In addition to her success as a journalist and broadcaster, Dame Esther is also the founder of children’s charity Childline, which she established in 1986, as well as The Silver Line, which supports people battling loneliness.
‘My diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life, working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That’s Life!’, she said.
‘I’m not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to That’s Life! during the last 50 years, the people I met, and the team who worked so hard, and laughed so hard, together for so long.’
Dame Esther’s interview comes after she was forced to pull out of a TV appearance due to ill health.
Dame Esther is remaining positive (Picture: PA)
The That’s Life! host was recently forced to miss a TV appearance due to her illness (Picture: Chris Ridley/Radio Times/Getty Images)
The BBC star was meant to be a guest on The One Show on Tuesday (May 23).
However, the programme resorted to remembering her and That’s Life! with a series of montages and memories, since Dame Esther could not be there to in person.
In a statement read out by Alex Jones, Dame Esther said: ‘I can’t believe it’s 50 years since the launch when I’m still only 35 myself . Those 21 years of That’s Life passed in a flash!
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‘My current illness, lung cancer, is the reason that, sadly, I can’t be with you tonight – I would have loved to join you to suggest that someone should be making That’s Life! today.
‘Of course, The One Show does a lot of the same great work, but you do need a few more talented dogs.
‘I would also have loved to be there to thank you so much for reviving all those happy memories – please send everyone, the viewers and my fellow That’s Lifers, my fondest love.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
‘Nobody knows’ if her medication is working or not.
